Since January, Alberts has taken the skunk, now almost 1 year old, on near-daily trips. In the last four months, he has seen thousands of people. Ironically, the only place he has ever been kicked ...

Unless the approaching foe – a coyote, fox, bobcat or human, perhaps – backs off, the tiny critter with white spots and dark, inquisitive eyes will blast its infamous odor with ninja-like fury.