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"Rural lives, your life matters"
Kansas farm bankruptcies surge as mental health crisis deepens

If you or someone you know needs help call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
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Love is in the air! Wait, that’s something else. 🦨 💨

You may be more likely to spot (or smell) skunks this time of year. For striped skunks, the most widespread species across many national parks, mating season typically peaks in February, with activity often spanning late January through March (or even into early April in some regions, depending on weather). As always, give wildlife the air(space) it needs.

What if I get too close? It's a common misconception that skunks spray at the drop of a hat. In reality, they treat their spray like a last-resort weapon, reserved for when every other defense has failed. Skunks would much rather not use it, since replenishing those glands takes time and leaves them vulnerable. If you get too close on a trail, a skunk's first move is usually to run away while grumbling or chittering under its breath. Same.

If escape isn't an option and you're still pressing the issue, it may escalate. First, the skunk may turn around to face you with its backend (the business end). It’ll raise its tail high as a clear visual warning, followed by stomping its front feet repeatedly, hissing, growling, or even charging forward a short distance to intimidate. Geez, take the hint. Only after you've ignored ALL of these very obvious "back off" signals will the skunk finally deploy the spray. Maybe sooner, depending on the skunk, so, don’t press your luck.

Bottom line: Give wildlife space, read the room (or the tail), and back away slowly and quietly when you see those warnings. Everyone stays happier, and less aromatic, that way.

That’s our time for today. Smell ya later. ❤️

Image: Striped skunk, with tail raised and on the move at City Of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho.
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Between chips and dips, nachos and mozzarella sticks, Americans will consume 88 million pounds of cheese during the Super Bowl. #nedeptag #superbowl #cheese ... See MoreSee Less

Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that are important for good health. Adding fruits and vegetables to meals can reduce the risk of some types of cancer and chronic diseases.

Learn more about how healthy eating benefits your health: bit.ly/4afmark
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Is lead lurking in and around your home? Paint is not the only source of potential lead exposure.

Learn how to prevent lead poisoning: bit.ly/46imTql
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Photos from Nebraska Department of Agriculture's post ... See MoreSee Less

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