GC5B7TP Iowa Creatures of the Night #4-The Skunk (Unknown Cache) in Iowa, United States created by A1BOB66

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A cache by A1BOB66 Message this owner

Hidden : 8/19/2014

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Night Cache

Day or night you can usually tell when this creature is near. If a foul odor is hanging in the air, a skunk is likely to be passing through. Night time is feeding time for the skunk so be careful not to get between the skunk and their prey while walking the trail. Be sure to follow the night cache directions below to have a successful cache experience.

Iowa Creatures of the Night Series

#4 The Skunk

Pee-Yew! It's fall and you've caught a whiff of that unmistakable pungent smell drifting on the night air that could only belong to the skunk. Skunks, now classified in the family Mephitidae, like members of its former family Mustelidae, the weasels (mink, weasel, badger, otter, etc.), emit an oily musk from their anal glands. Members of these families use musk to mark territories and den sites, and attract a mate. But, in the case of skunks, they can release a potent mist or stream, at close range and up to 20 feet, to defend themselves against predators!

Iowa has two species of skunks: the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius). The latter, also known as a "civet cat", is smaller than the striped skunk, has white spots and shorter, broken white stripes against black fur, and is now listed on Iowa’s endangered species list. Little is known about where they may still be found in Iowa. With the loss of small farms, diversified agriculture, and the lack of rodent prey attracted to readily available grain, once stored in open cribs, the “civet cat” has all but disappeared from Iowa’s farms and countryside. While the striped skunk has remained on the land, biologists are uncertain why spotted skunk numbers have declined so drastically, but it very likely due to the extensive changes to Iowa's landscape over the past 50 years.

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/wildlife/CommonQuestions/Skunks.htm

FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SKUNKS

• Skunks are omnivores, which mean that they eat both plants and animals. They like to eat fruits, insects, worms, reptiles and rodents.

• Skunks often attack beehive because they eat honeybees.

• Skunks are small animals. They reach 8-19 inches in size and weigh up to 14 pounds.

• Two glands near their anus produce smelly substance that is released when animals are threatened. This substance is not harmful for the victims, but they will not be able to get rid of the smell during next couple of days.

• Before it sprays the victim, skunk will turn its back, lift its tail, start hissing and stumping with its feet. Those are the warning signs that precede spraying.

• Skunk can spray its oily and smelly substance up to 10 feet distance.

• Their worst enemies are coyotes, bobcats and owls.

• Male skunk is called buck, female - doe, and baby skunk - kit.

• Skunks can survive a snake bite.

• They have poor eyesight, but they have excellent sense of smell and hearing.

• They can run only 10 miles per hour.

• During mating season, one male with get in touch with more females.

• Pregnancy lasts between 7 and 10 weeks and female gives birth to 2-10 babies. Mother takes care of her babies.

• Skunk can transmit rabies.

• Skunks live up to 3 years in the wild. They can survive up to 10 years in captivity.

Night Cache Instructions

#4-The Skunk-All markers and the container are located on Right (North) side of the trail.
1) The posted coordinates are the starting location.
2) The start location will be marked with two(2) reflective markers.

Start=2

3) The trail will be marked with one reflective marker.

Trail=1

4) The final location will be marked with three(3) reflective markers.

Final=3

5) From the start location, use your flashlight to locate the start markers(2). Look down the trail with your flashlight for the next marker(1). Follow the trail of markers until you find the final markers(3). Find the contailer and sign the log.
6) The coordinates for the final location is posted in the waypoints to aid navigation and direction.

Night Cache Notes

1) This cache is recommended to be found in the dark.
2) You should pack good flashlights with extra batteries.
3) Safety First. Always bring a friend on a night cache.
4) Give yourself plenty of time and be aware of the trail use times.
5) The markers for this cache are all on the same side of the trail.
6) This cache is on public use property and all rules and laws are to be followed.
7) Cache at your own risk.
8) The final coordinates are listed in the waypoints to allow daytime discovery of this cache.