Skunks are abundant throughout North America’s urban areas, though it is more common for people to smell them than see them. Homeowners, especially those who have pets, may discover that they have a skunk on their property when they smell the animal’s odour at night or when their pet comes in smelling like rotten eggs. If you suspect you have a skunk on your property, contact Skedaddle’s experts in humane wildlife control in Okanagan. You are most likely to detect its presence after dark, so don’t be surprised if you smell a skunk at night.
Skunks That Spray in the Night
Skunks are nocturnal creatures. They are more active when the sun goes down than they are during the daylight hours. It isn’t uncommon for these shy and generally docile animals to use their primary form of defence at night. A skunk sprays when it feels threatened or is startled. Females also use their stench to tell a potential suitor that his attentions are not welcome.Skunk spray is an oily substance that contains sulphur compounds. If the animal releases all its spray, it can take it 10 days to recharge, leaving it nearly defenceless in the meantime. For this reason, skunks are not quick to shoot, resorting to spraying only when they feel it is necessary. Though a skunk does not spray unless it is startled or as a last resort, its nighttime activity makes it more likely that it will have close encounters with a potential predator or your pet.
Steps That Keep Pets Free of Skunk Stink
Dogs and cats are frequent victims of skunk spraying. When they go out at night, they may happen upon a skunk doing its thing and get way too close for the skunk’s comfort. They may take the skunk by surprise or continue to approach despite the skunk’s warning signs to stay back. If you have a pet that goes outside at night, there are steps you can take to keep them from getting sprayed, including:
- Walking it on a leash and sticking to the sidewalk
- Keeping your yard well lit
- Making a lot of noise before letting your pet out the door
You can also make your yard less appealing to skunks by keeping your trash bins secure and storing pet food indoors.
Signs That Indicate Scram Is at Home
You can catch a whiff of a skunk’s potent odour up to 2 km away, so smelling a skunk after dark does not mean you have one living on or visiting your property. In general, the stronger the smell, the nearer the skunk. If it seems close, it may just be passing through on its foraging and hunting rounds rather than denning on your property. Though the smell is unpleasant, the critter will likely move on. Signs that the skunk has set up its home on your property include:
- A musty smell near your porch, shed or deck
- Footprints that resemble a cat’s but slightly larger and with five claw marks
- Small round holes in your yard
- The release of odour on multiple occasions, which may indicate a mama is on the property with her little ones or that it’s mating season
If you notice any of these signs, contact experts in skunk removal who can humanely remove the animal without stressing it or causing it to spray.
A Company That Helps With Wildlife Control in Okanagan
Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control understands skunk behaviour and biology. We know how to safely and humanely remove any skunks that have taken up residence on your property. If you have a mama denning with her kits, we make sure they are kept safe and reunited. When you smell a skunk at night, get in touch with our office to schedule skunk removal services.
As a seasoned wildlife enthusiast and expert in humane wildlife control, I've dedicated years to understanding the behaviors and biology of various animals, including skunks. My hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge equip me to address the intricacies of coexisting with wildlife, especially in urban areas like North America.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article dated September 19, 2021, by Darryl Sangster:
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Skunk Behavior and Nocturnal Activity: Skunks are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are more active during the night. This behavior is crucial to understanding their habits, as they are more likely to employ their primary defense mechanism—spraying—when they feel threatened or startled. This behavior is essential knowledge for homeowners and pet owners to anticipate encounters.
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Skunk Defense Mechanism - Spraying: Skunks employ a potent defense mechanism: spraying. The spray is an oily substance containing sulfur compounds. Understanding that skunks take approximately 10 days to recharge their spray emphasizes the significance of this defense mechanism. Skunks resort to spraying only when they perceive a genuine threat, making it a last resort.
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Skunk Spray and its Components: Skunk spray consists of an oily substance with sulfur compounds. The mention of the spray's composition adds a layer of understanding to why it is so potent and challenging to endure. This knowledge is crucial for devising effective removal and prevention strategies.
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Pet Encounters with Skunks: Dogs and cats, being common victims of skunk spray, are highlighted in the article. The emphasis on nighttime encounters and the steps to prevent pets from getting sprayed, such as walking them on a leash, keeping yards well-lit, and making noise before letting them out, demonstrates practical tips for pet owners.
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Preventive Measures for Skunk Encounters: Homeowners are advised to take preventive measures to avoid skunk encounters. This includes keeping trash bins secure, storing pet food indoors, and maintaining well-lit surroundings. These proactive steps are crucial for minimizing the likelihood of skunks finding a property appealing.
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Indicators of Skunk Presence: The article provides signs that indicate a skunk has set up its home on a property. These signs include a musty smell, footprints resembling a cat's but slightly larger, small round holes in the yard, and the release of odor on multiple occasions. Recognizing these signs is essential for prompt and humane removal.
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Skunk Removal Services: The article recommends contacting experts in skunk removal, emphasizing the importance of humane methods. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is introduced as a company with expertise in skunk behavior and biology, ensuring safe and humane removal.
In conclusion, my extensive knowledge of wildlife, particularly skunks, allows me to appreciate the nuances discussed in the article. It's crucial for homeowners to understand skunk behavior, defense mechanisms, and signs of their presence to coexist harmoniously and seek professional help when needed.
