Home > News

Family of skunks meets cyclist

On a trail in Quebec, a tender encounter occurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRQQs_I5dOg

When a family of skunks began to approach a cyclist in Pointe-Taillon National Park, Quebec, instead of fleeing he decided to capture the encounter. Cyclists encountering wildlife while riding is not altogether uncommon but wild animals, especially small ones, tend to be frightened off by approaching cyclists.

However, the four kits lead by the mother fearlessly scurries down the trail towards the stopped rider on a gravel trail in the national park.

Skunks are not always perceived as the friendliest of creatures but did not frighten Arsenault. Feet from the cyclist, the family stop and then cautiously make their approach. After getting a good smell of the bikes front wheel and then Arsenault’s left foot, the curious family continues on their way, the four young led down the trail by their mother.

There are 45-km of cycling trails in Pointe-Taillon National Park which is located northwest of Saguenay. At no point during the encounter do the skunks appear to perceive the cyclists as a danger so he never appears to at risk of being skunked.