Baby Skunk Throws Tantrums Until He Gets His Milk

Most babies have their morning routines, and for one little skunk, that routine comes with a lot of attitude. Meet Stomping Tom — a rescued skunk who quickly made it clear that mornings were not his favorite time of day… at least, not until his bottle of milk arrived.

Found wandering alone and crying after being abandoned, Stomping Tom was taken in by rescuers who weren’t quite prepared for his larger-than-life personality. Before long, they realized why he earned his unusual name: Tom had a signature move. Whenever he was upset — whether waiting for breakfast or making his opinions known — he stomped his tiny feet with dramatic flair.

The transformation was instant. One moment, he’d be sulking and stomping like the world’s grumpiest skunk, and the next, he’d melt into a sweet, cuddly ball of fur the second his milk was served. His stomps weren’t just for show, though. As Tom grew, he strutted around like a boss, stamping at other skunks as if to declare, “I’m in charge here.”

Watch the video below to see how one rescued skunk turned tantrums into a trademark — and how a little milk made everything right in his world.

💡 Did You Know?

Skunks are often recognized for their infamous spray, but they have another behavior that’s just as fascinating: stomping. When threatened or annoyed, skunks will stamp their front feet against the ground as a warning signal before spraying. It’s their way of saying, “Back off, or else.” For a baby like Stomping Tom, this natural instinct showed up early — though in his case, it was more cute than intimidating.

Skunks are intelligent, curious animals that often surprise people with their playfulness and ability to bond with caregivers. Orphaned skunks raised by humans frequently display affectionate behaviors such as cuddling, following their caretakers, and even developing strong friendships with other rescued skunks. Once rehabilitated, they can usually adapt well to life back in the wild.

In the wild, skunks are omnivores, eating a mix of insects, small animals, plants, and fruits. For babies, though, milk is the key to growth and survival — and in Tom’s case, the source of his morning happiness. His tantrums may have been dramatic, but they were also a reminder of how much personality even the smallest creatures can have.