Critter culture at the Stockbridge Library

Laurel Zoet of Nature on the Go, with her 2 ½ year old (de-scented) pet skunk, Stinkerbelle.

by Paul Crandall, Head Librarian, Capital Area District Libraries — Stockbridge

Feb. 23: Naturalist and educator Laurel Zoet of Nature on the Go recently delighted mixed-age audiences at the Stockbridge Library, CADL, with presentations on critters common to our area – coyotes and skunks.

Zoet’s presentation on coyotes discussed myths and misunderstandings, and illustrated how they have thrived by inhabiting the intersections of different types of land, like where woods meet suburbs.

As for skunks, “Striped skunks are native to Michigan and fill a valuable role in local ecosystems,” she said.  “They are one of the few predators of yellow jackets and wasps, often digging up and destroying entire nests.”

Zoet was well received, but the hit of the show was definitely her 2 ½ year old (de-scented) pet skunk, Stinkerbelle.

Zoet was well received, but the hit of the show was definitely her 2 ½ year old (de-scented) pet skunk, Stinkerbelle.

Zoet will return to the library this summer, presenting a program about the history and ecology of chocolate, with samples.

As for skunks, “Striped skunks are native to Michigan and fill a valuable role in local ecosystems,” she said.  “They are one of the few predators of yellow jackets and wasps, often digging up and destroying entire nests.”