1. 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.

2. 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?