Skunk Removal in Antioch, CA (2024)

There are two types of skunks, the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius). The striped skunk, as the name implies, has a black body with a narrow white stripe between the eyes reaching to the forehead, and two wide white stripes splitting down the back and tail. A striped skunk is the size of a domestic cat, while a spotted skunk is half this size. A spotted skunk is black with random white markings either in spots or zigzag streaks on both the back, sides, and tail.

Both the striped skunk and the spotted skunk have sharp claws on their front feet for digging. Their tracks are unique from other similar-sized wildlife animals, as their front and hind paws look entirely different.

The front paws can be compared to a cat, but with notably longer claws that show in their paw prints, as they do not retract like cat claws. Skunks also have five toes, while cats have four toes. Their back paws are completely different, as they could resemble a tiny human foot, but with claws. These back claws are shorter than the front claws.

Being nocturnal animals, skunks are active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime. Striped skunks can be active during the daytime if they are in urban and suburban public areas, or sometimes if they have rabies, and lose their fear of humans. Spotted skunks are seldom seen during the daytime.

Skunks do not hibernate during the winter, and for shelter they often form communal skunk burrows under decks, porches, or buildings. Skunks mate in January and February to have 4-6 baby skunks, or “kits,” per litter.

It is also important to keep watch during the months of January to March, as this is mating season for skunks. Female skunks are pregnant for 60 days, and give birth to baby skunks typically in April or May. This means that mothers will be looking for a nest during this time.

Skunks are most commonly known for their repulsive smell. This can be caused by a skunk being frightened, a dead skunk, or a male skunk spraying to fight another male over a female skunk during mating season.

A skunk’s spray can reach up to 10 feet away and they usually give a warning when they are about to spray. This warning includes stamping their front feet, arching their tail forward over their back, and hissing.

One of the most common health risks associated with skunks is carrying rabies. Not all skunks show symptoms of rabies, but this does not mean that they do not carry the disease. Rabies can be transferred to pets or humans through bites or by ingesting skunk droppings.

However, it is important to note that skunks are not typically aggressive animals unless they feel threatened. This means that prodding pets are more likely to scare skunks, increasing the chance of a bite or getting sprayed.

Other diseases that can be carried and transmitted by skunks are most commonly leptospirosis, Q-fever, tularemia, canine distemper, canine hepatitis, and listeriosis. All of these diseases can be carried by skunks without significant or identifiable symptoms.

Skunks and other wildlife animals also have the possibility of carrying ticks, fleas, lice, roundworm, tapeworm, and more. All of these can affect humans and pets, so if a substantial skunk infestation is detected, it is recommended to be aware of these diseases and to check for them if necessary.

Skunks are especially a danger to pets, as their spray can cause burning of the eyes as well as temporary blindness. Luckily, it has not been found that skunk spray itself carries diseases.

If your pet was sprayed, this does not mean that will contract a disease, unless they were bitten as well. Regardless, it is still recommended that they be checked out by a veterinarian following a skunk spray.

If you find yourself in an encounter with a skunk, avoid sudden movements as this could startle them causing them to spray.

Though it is a popular belief that tomato juice will get rid of skunk odors, it only masks the smell temporarily. It would be easiest to prevent it entirely, but skunks are common and so is getting sprayed. It is most likely that your pet will be the one getting sprayed

If this does happen, here is a solution for skunk odors that has been reported as effective:

• 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent

This mixture has been said to change and breakdown the composition of skunk spray. It is recommended to heavily dilute the leftovers of this mixture with water before pouring it down the drain. This mixture is safe to use on people, pets, clothing and furniture, but is advised to keep away from the eyes.

Though not all skunks have symptoms of rabies, they can still be carriers of the disease. Signs of a skunk that potentially has rabies include:

1. Confusion or disorientation
2. Being oblivious to nearby noises
3. Leg paralysis or difficulty walking
4. Fearlessness of people or pets
5. Considerable aggression
6. Loud or unusual sounds
7. Foaming at the mouth
8. Wandering during the daytime