The skunk is no
doubt a curious little critter. They are often
feared due to their ability to spray predators
with a pungent residue, which shoots out of
their anal scent glands. This is their number
one defensive mechanism. And this is how we
usually know they are around, catching an
occasional whiff of a passer-by skunk. On each
side of the skunk’s anus are two glands. These
glands naturally produce chemicals that contain
sulphur, such as thiols. This is the scent that
people and other creatures find to be highly
offensive. Good thing for the skunk, though.
It’s a great way to ward off potential
attackers, such as bears. And trying to remove
the smell from your clothing can be a miserable
experience. Some people might be able to relate.
Many people never actually see skunks, except
lying dead beside the road after being hit by a
random motor vehicle. You can smell them long
before you see them. However, if you spend any
time in the woods, it’s not unlikely you’ll
someday come face-to-face with a skunk. For
those who have ever come in contact with these
scurrying, black-and-white varmints, know that
they can seem harmless from a distance but if
you ever happen to cross a mother skunk
protecting her babies you could be getting more
than you bargained for. A mommy skunk whose sole
job is to protect her young can quickly turn
vicious. In addition, skunks have extremely
sharp teeth.
If you are ever in a situation where you are
close to a skunk, DO NOT attempt to pick it up,
especially with your bare hands. In the case
that a mother skunk has been killed, babies may
wander from their den looking for food. They may
even be weak, sick, or crying. Even if they need
attention do not pick them up with your bare
hands because skunks, as well as raccoons and
foxes, are the most common carriers of rabies.
Be aware that it is not uncommon for skunks to
sometimes act as scavengers, especially in
settled areas. They may come out of hiding and
seek out garbage left by humans. But if you
seriously believe the baby skunks are in trouble
and need attention, or if you are unsure of what
to do, pick up the phone and call your local
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center or the Game
Commission. This also goes for skunks you
believe may be injured.
If you happen to have a box or a sheet you can
carefully toss that over them while the
authorities arrive. This will help prevent them
from wandering off and getting lost or
potentially endangering people nearby. If it
appears rabid, keep your distance and warn
others until help arrives.
Go back to the How
to get rid of skunks home page.
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