Girl in Halloween costume mistaken for skunk

[Guest TNBrat]

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/10/21/girl-in-costume-at-halloween-party-shot-after-being-mistaken-for-skunk/

I'm having a hard time picturing it. The average 9 year old is around 4'5". And skunks are… well they're small. It's sad. I mean it was dark but still…

Sent from iPad in the woods.

[monkeylizard]

Skunk ape.....

[E4 No More]

Something smells and it ain't a skunk.

[DaveS]

Yeah, something stinks here. Charge the family member! We pray the little girl makes a full recovery! Identifying your target is a golden rule of gun shooting. Wait...You "THOUGHT" it was a skunk, or you "KNOW" it was a skunk? Which is it?

Dave S

Edited October 24, 2012 by DaveS

[JAB]

I saw this story earlier. in fact, I started a thread about it on another forum to which I belong. I don't understand it, either. I mean, wasn't the relative aware that a Halloween party was going on? Wouldn't you stop before blasting something if you knew there were kids running around in Halloween costumes? Even beyond that, why the heck would someone go blasting away at anything non-threatening while there was a party going on and, presumably, kids running around? It isn't like a skunk rates real high on the 'deadly, dangerous wildlife' list. To be truthful, unless there was a problem with skunks destroying property, etc. I wouldn't shoot one in the first place. Heck, I think they are kind of fun to watch (from a distance.) I don't want sprayed but beyond that if it isn't hurting anything why go all Elmer Fudd on the little critter? And if one must, it isn't like it is necessary to have to draw a bead and blast away before a skunk can attack with it's deadly teeth and talons - at least take time to truly identify the target.

Edited October 22, 2012 by JAB

[DaveTN]

Leindecker says the man hadn't been drinking and he doesn't know whether charges will be filed.

I would have filed reckless conduct charges against him. You don’t shoot at a target you can’t identify.