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| Skunk Info: Skunks are easy to recognize with their bold black and white coloring. While most animals prefer camouflage, a skunk's distinctive coloration serves as a warning of its potent attack. Using special glands below the tail, skunks can spray their powerful scent up to 15 feet. This scent burns an attacker's eyes, and causes temporary blindness. Of course, the stench is too much for most animals to bear, and serves as a strong warning against future attacks. Adult skunks grow to about 22-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. Skunks are primarily nocturnal. Skunks are omnivores, and will feed on almost anything, including small rodents, worms, insects, grubs, carrion, fruit, garbage, and pet food left outdoors. | |
They will also cause significant damage to a lawn if grubs are present.
Skunks are well known for their strong odor. People can often detect a single roadkilled skunk for miles. No homeowner appreciates this scent under their deck. Furthermore, a skunk in the area poses a constant threat to nosey pets. I've cleaned dogs that have been sprayed before, and believe me, the scent does not come off easily. Of course, no person wants to risk being sprayed by a startled skunk.
Skunks are host to a number of parasites and diseases that can infest people or pets.
Skunks can carry and spread Canine Distemper, a common and often fatal disease of dogs. It is caused by a virus and is spread most often when animals come in contact with the bodily secretions of other animals, such as skunks who are infected with the disease. Over 50% of dogs and 80% of puppies who become infected with distemper will die.
Skunks are the #2 carrier of Rabies, a viral disease that causes progressive paralysis and death in mammals, including humans. Any skunks exhibiting abnormal behavior, such as fearlessness toward humans, awkward and slow movements, or excessive daylight activity should be strictly avoided. Call PVE to safely capture and remove any skunks that you believe may be sick.