T h e   N a t u r e   o f   D e f e n s e

Just about all creatures and many plants were given at creation or have developed some form of defense mechanism. Some one-celled animals just divide into two exact replicas rather than die or maybe form a capsule and become dormant for many years. Larger animals run, bluff, stay and fight or like the skunk just cause a real stink. The skunk delivers his odor-laden spray from two little stink jets located just under his tail. When threatened, the skunk raises his tail just over his back--the jets protrude, and he is ready for action. The odiferous cologne is oil-based--giving it the acrid, potent and long lasting flavor. Some recently developed compounds do remove most of the odor--if you can find from whence it comes.

On more than one occasion, it has been my misfortune to experience the defense mechanisms of a few skunks. Most skunks will avoid human contact if possible, but as a youngster I pushed the limits of their tolerance at least a couple of times. Granddad sent me down to the hen house late one afternoon to gather the eggs, but “Mr. Le Pew” was already up in the nest box gathering eggs his own way. He avoided me by exiting a hole in the chicken wire--but my dog was not so fortunate. A few minutes later old Rover shared much of his newly acquired perfume with me. Needless to say, I was excused from the supper table that night. On another occasion I picked up a young skunk by the tail having been told by well-meaning friends that this would keep him from spraying until I put him into a box for safe keeping--V E R Y poor advice! Someone forgot to tell the skunk.

From the smallest one-celled animals to the mighty whales of the sea there is a life-sustaining force that is built into the nerve center or brain. As humans we use our power of choice to follow God’s plan of survival but animals have instincts and very little or no choice for their future.

The Bible tells us that we are the guardians of this planet and its inhabitants. So let us accept this responsibility and protect our environment and all its living creatures.

Burney Tompkins

    - Uncle Burney