Help, I Found A Skunk!

A pile of baby skunks

One of the most distinctive native wildlife is the striped skunk. They are medium sized animals distinguished by their white stripes on black fur and musky scent. Skunks are nocturnal and usually den in underground burrows, under rocks, or other bushy vegetation.

Skunks who still have a mother, and are being left alone in their native wild habitat

Skunks are usually very docile animals. If you encounter a skunk its best to slowly back away or stand very still, they eventually lose interest and walk away.

Contrary to popular belief, spraying is not the primary self-defense mechanism for skunks, skunks will first stomp and charge or make hiss like sounds. Skunks will only resort to spraying if they feel their life is threatened or if they can't escape.

This skunk still has it's mom, and was being observed

Young skunks, or kits, with eyes still closed will get left behind in their den while mom is out foraging. If all babies are uninjured and in their secluded den, they can be left alone. Mom should return soon!

A momma skunk wrapped around her baby, sleeping

Coexisting with native wildlife can become difficult when they create dens or nests in areas like gaps under the house or the garage. It is important to take preventative action by filling any gaps under houses, closing the garage, and refraining from leaving trash or food outside.

A very young orphaned skunk

If a skunk has created a den in your home, you can gently evict it in the following ways:

1. Add light and/or sound disturbances to den, this will help persuade them to den somewhere else. Radios and a bright light are some suggestions.

2. Motion-sensing sprinklers near the den entrance will help tell them the area is no longer safe, and will help them move along peacefully.

3. Spreading the scent of predators, like foxes, dogs, and coyotes, can help the mother skunk decide to leave. Urine scent can be purchased online and at some outdoor stores.

Orphaned skunks in a box on their way to being rehabilitated and released

Once you have confirmed the skunk(s) have left, it is critical that you close any entrances to the area you don't want the animals. Leaving open spaces will allow the skunks to return, or something else to move in. Before patching any holes, please ensure all skunks have left the den area. If the skunk in question has babies that are too young to walk, mother skunks will need time to relocate them and must do so one at a time. This process may take several day! Separating mom from babies is not in the best interest of the animals and puts unnecessary strain on the few licensed wildlife rehabilitators who may work in or around your county. The best option is to allow the kits to grow old enough to follow mom out on forages and then proceed with eviction methods. Kits will begin to follow mom out of the den around 5-8 weeks old.

A young orphaned skunk cuddling with a stuffed toy

It is also possible to see kits outside of a den appearing all alone. Before interfering, look around to see if mom is nearby. If mom isn't spotted, keep an eye on the kit(s) for several hours to overnight. If mother skunk is still not seen, the skunks may be orphaned and can be safely captured and contained while locating a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

A family of skunks

If you find an orphaned skunk baby you should first ensure that it is not injured. If the kit is not injured, you should very carefully place it in a nearby area away from kids and pets, out of the weather, in a small box or pet carrier. For your safety and the skunk's, use thick gloves such as welding gloves or a thick towel.

A young skunk warm in an incubator

Any injured skunk, adult or kit, will always need the help of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. A skunk in need of help will need to be placed in a container, like a box that can close, where it can stay warm while help is contacted. Remember to always use protective gloves, such as welding gloves, to handle wildlife and limit contact after getting it contained. Skunks can carry rabies or canine distemper, both transmittable to you and your pets.

A young skunk stomping and showing it's threat display

Remember, if you ever have to say "Help, I found a Skunk!" :

1. Capture - catch the injured or orphaned animal in a manner that is safe for both you and the wildlife

2. Contain - contain the animal in a sturdy box, tub, or pet carrier that has a lid it can't escape from

3. Warmth - place half of the container on top of a heating pad, place a bottle filled with hot water and wrapped in a towel inside the carrier, or use another source of heat to carefully warm the animal while allowing it to rest in a dark and quiet place away from children or pets, and limit handling.

4. Contact - Please reach out to us, your local game warden or wildlife officer, or another licensed wildlife rehabilitator to get further instructions. We can be reached via text at 903.636.3193, by call at 903.858.1008, or via our website here at www.tigercreek.org or www.awildlife.org.

A young skunk looking for it's next meal

• ***IMPORTANT*** Do NOT try to feed them or offer hydration without first speaking to one of our wildlife experts! Offering food, water, or formula of any kind can end up hurting or even killing the babies. The absolute best thing you can do for that baby when you get it contained is to get it warm, and contact us immediately.

  

  A young skunk