This one was luckily facing me with paws firmly planted to the street. I realized it was a skunk as it's tail was almost telescopically raising in the air as it stared me down. I was cursing the fur ball as I descended the once conquered hill. It could have been much worse as I didn't even get sprayed. After doing a search in the forums, I was surprised how many bikers have been sprayed. I still like seeing the critters around the neighborhood though. I commonly see deer and wild turkey too.