Get to Know the Night Shift

Is anyone here still afraid of the dark?

Evolution has shaped humans to be wary of the night. Years of hypervigilance against unseen predators using the darkness as cover have conditioned us to jump at every bump and shadow.

While Columbia County doesn’t have lions and hyenas lurking in the shadows, it is home to a fair share of nocturnal animals clocking in for the night shift. And, frankly, some of them have a bit of a reputation.

Bats are literally something out of a horror movie.  Skunks come equipped with chemical warfare. Owls seemingly appear out of nowhere to stare directly into your soul.

Luckily, most of these creatures have no interest in haunting. They just happen to make their living while most people are asleep.

Let’s run through a few of Columbia County’s spookiest nocturnal neighbors.

Bats: the original horror movie star

Nothing says ‘spooky’ quite like a bat. Between their leathery, skin-like wings, flight against the moon, and the frequent association with vampires, they've kind of set themselves up for a frightful reputation.

Contrary to vampirism myths, and fortunately for humans, bats are far more interested in bugs than blood. In fact, they might be one of the most beneficial nighttime neighbors around. Most bats eat insects, including mosquitoes, and can catch hundreds in just one hour. They also pollinate flowers and spread seeds – how cute!

Want to support your local bat population? Consider installing a bat box in your garden to provide a safe roosting site for bats affected by habitat loss.

Skunks: respect the personal space

Now skunks might have the most pungent argument for being spooky! They possess a highly memorable trait: an oily, noxious-smelling, long-range defense spray.

However, their spray is a defense mechanism, meaning they usually aren’t looking for a fight. Skunks typically prefer to be left alone - the stinky spray is a last resort.

Luckily, coexisting with skunks doesn’t have to stink. They also play a crucial role in our ecosystem by aiding pest control and seed dispersal due to their foraging behavior.

So, if you see a skunk waddling through your yard after dark, the best approach is probably to admire it from a generous distance and let it get on with its shift.

Your nose will thank you.

Owls: the mysterious medium

Owls have giant, seemingly glowing eyes, dangerously sharp talons, and eerie, haunting calls. They also regurgitate bones and can turn their heads 270 degrees. It’s no wonder they inspired myths across centuries.

While they’re certainly spooky, owls are generally not dangerous to humans.

And have you ever seen a photo of an owl’s legs? If not, go look one up. Owls have seriously long legs hidden by feathers and fluff. Once you see a photo, it might provide some comedic relief the next time you catch their soulful stare in the dark.

Opossums: commonly referred to as trash cats

And then there are opossums. Did you know that they’re North America’s only native marsupial? And that there’s a difference between an opossum and a possum? (Possums live in Australia.)

The North American opossum gets a bad rap – probably something to do with the hissing, the 50 sharp teeth, or the playing dead. In reality, opossums are just shy and anxious.

When opossums play dead, it’s not an intentional party trick. They essentially get so afraid that they enter an involuntary catatonic state. Kind of like a short-term coma. Come on! Who can be afraid of that?

Opossums are also a great addition to your home garden and the wider ecosystem. They are omnivores and eat many insects that frequently damage home gardens. While they also consume plant matter, opossums are much more likely to go for the rotting tomato on the ground than chowing down your beautiful garden plants.

As scavengers, they will, however, help themselves to kitchen scraps in your compost or any pet food left outdoors. Hence the "trash cat" nickname.

All in all, Columbia County’s night shift is busier than you might have imagined. And these are only a few of the animals that start their days after dark.

So, the next time you see a shadow outside your window, or hear a strange sound from the midnight woods, take a second look.

It might be spooky.

Or it might be the neighborhood trash cat making the rounds and cleaning up your garden.

Photo credit: Peter Galgani