Striped Skunks

The striped skunk is about the size of an adult house cat. These nocturnal creatures are members of the weasel family. They are mostly black with white on their neck and head. Their stripes extend from the base of the head and down both sides of the back and through the tail, however they can be totally black. Their most defining characteristic has to be their unique defense mechanism: the ability to spray a pungent musk oil, which also happens to be their primary defense. Their musk scent is composed of a complex chemical composition that can be "fired" from one or both independently targetable anal glands located on both sides of their rectum. They are quite accurate up to about 15 feet in hitting their target. The anal glands hold about a tablespoon of this oily musk, and hold enough musk for about five or six sprays, although one spray is adequate to ward off most enemies.

Fortunately they are usually most "considerate" about giving a warning, as long as you do not surprise them. Some of these warning signals are: stamping their front feet, kneading the ground like a cat, and holding the tail erect. If the threatening agent does not back off it will then aim its "artillery" towards the perceived threat before "firing." The spray, if it gets in your eyes will burn severely, and may even cause temporary blindness. Many victims report that the scent causes them to have severe headaches. There are commercially available remedies as well as many home remedies that either neutralize or attempt to mask the odor.

The mating season runs from February to March. The gestation period is nearly 63 days long. Litter sizes usually number from five to six, but can be as large as ten. The young will stay in the den for about two months before they will begin to go out foraging with their mothers. Until the young are old enough to leave the den, eradicating skunks from under a dwelling becomes a delicate operation. Hence this activity is best put off until they have vacated the den.

Skunks are primarily insectivorous but will eat anything from small rodents to wild fruits, but they love grubs and small insects and often dig up lawns and gardens in search of these delicacies. As with much suburban wildlife, they are opportunistic feeders. They will eat human food waste. Skunks apparently love yogurt. Yoplait containers are particularly harmful to them. (A skunk's head is just slightly smaller than the opening of the container. Once they stick their heads in the container, they are unable to remove it, so unless someone removes the container, the skunk will die.) Please make sure all garbage is disposed of properly.

Living With Skunks

Skunks are actually more beneficial than harmful because they eat many harmful garden insect pests. It is estimated that up to 70 percent of their diet consists of insects that are considered by humans to be harmful. Nonetheless, they can be a nuisance when they move in and take up permanent residence under your home. Here are some preventive measures you can take to discourage skunks from the area:

• Remove brush piles, wood piles, and compost piles (basically anything that provides a food or shelter source).
• Make sure there is no refuse left around garbage areas. Always use quality refuse containers with secure fitting lids.
• Block openings that will lead to a shelter source. Make sure vent covers are replaced, and fill any holes that may lead under a building. Openings may be screened using 1/4" hardware cloth. Make sure the cloth extends 6 to 12 inches to prevent the skunk from digging underneath. Warning! If you believe that skunks are living under a dwelling, make sure the skunks are gone before you seal up the entrance. We do not recommend doing this during late April through August as there may be babies inside. When you are absolutely sure that all animals are out, a one way door works very well. Again, make sure all animals are out before sealing the entrance!
• Skunks sometimes dig up lawns and gardens in search of grubs. Biological nematodes work well to kill insects and grubs in lawns and gardens. Cayenne pepper is sprinkled around is also said to work.

Public Health

Skunks sometimes carry rabies. The strain of rabies they carry occurs throughout much of the US. They are also known to carry leptospirosis. Skunks are primarily nocturnal, so if you see one out during the daylight hours, it may be sick. Stay away from it and call the campus Animal Control Officer at 459-2231.