I Found A New Animal! by Ms. Karen Moore 3/14/2013

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A few years ago, I went for a hike in the mountains. As I walked quietly through the woods, I heard a noise like a baby crying. I knew I had to find that baby to help it.

! I listened carefully and realized the crying was coming from a nearby tree. Quietly I snuck up to the tree, so I would not scare the baby. Shining my trusty flashlight into the hole in the tree, I could see two deep blue eyes.

It was too small to be a human baby! It was a dark and furry creature. It started to cry again, so I gently reach in to pick it up. I was startled when it hissed and swatted its paw at me. Soothingly I whispered, “It’s okay.” It blinked and let me pick it up.

Soon the small, kitten-like creature was snuggling into my arms and squeaking with pleasure. I decided to call it Snuggles because that could be a boy or girl name.

The creature’s soft fur was gray-brown with a white stripe down its back. There were black rings on its tail and a mask on around those blue eyes. I wondered:

Was it a skunk? Was it a raccoon?

After looking it over, I decided it must be a cross between a skunk and a raccoon—a skunkoon! I knew Mom would never allow me to keep it. I had better put it back, and then the natural parents could find it.

For a few minutes longer I cuddled and played with Snuggles. Suddenly I could smell a skunk. “Phew! Your momma or papa is coming back to find you.” Snuggles looked sad when I set it back into the hollow tree, but I knew that was best.

Whenever I hike in the wood, I watch in the trees to see if my skunkoon is there. I wonder:

Is Snuggles a big stinker now?