Bubo philippensis

Status: Vulnerable

The origin of skunks, from the Winnebago Tribe: There was once a young girl who was born exquisitely beautiful. She had long hair that was pure white, and of which she toke great vanity. Many suitors came to call upon her and seek her favor, but she disdained them all, preferring instead to admire her own reflection in the water, and to rub sweet smelling flowers into her skin to perfume her body.

One day, yet another young man came to her, and she immediately turned her nose up to him. She laughed and mocked his unbecoming looks and his wrinkled, ugly skin. Unfortunately for her, it was no ordinary man, but Turtle in human guise. The spirit shed the human form and stood before her as Turtle. He declared that as she had rejected one of the great spirits, all while thinking herself holy because of her beautiful appearance. As punishment, she would now be what she had mocked.

As he spoke, she shrank into a small furry body, covered with black hair but for white streaks as the only trace of her once glorious hair. The scent of flowers faded from her to be replaced by an odious scent that sent all those nearby to flee her approach.