Skunks are very common in our rural and urban areas. Both the striped and spotted skunk are characterized by their "black and whiteness", bushy tail and pungent odor when threatened. The striped skunk is larger and more common than the spotted skunk.

Having adapted well to neighborhoods, it's not uncommon to find skunks and domestic cats dining peacefully together. There have been cases of skunks entering homes through pet doors, dining with the family cat and finding a quiet closet or empty bed to spend the night. As long as the skunk does not feel threatened, it won't spray. In these instances, it is best to remain calm, cool-headed and quiet. Skunks are usually solitary with the exception of a mother and her babies which she will readily defend. Skunks are generally nomadic, using a den for only a short period of time before switching to another one.

HOW TO CO-EXIST

• Do not leave pet food outdoors at night.
  
  
• Secure garbage can lids tightly using bungee cords. Keep garbage cans in the garage until trash day or sprinkle ammonia or pepper on top of the trash.
  
  
• Prevent access to denning sites. Seal up crawl spaces. Skunks can dig, so extend your screening, fencing or lattice work 8- 10 inches underground.
  
  
• Debris and brush piles should be removed or stacked neatly to eliminate suitable cavities.
  
  
• Great-horned owls are the skunks' only predator. Blow-up or plastic great-horned owls may be strategically placed and periodically moved to deter the skunks.
  
  
• Moth balls or ammonia soaked rags may also force the skunk into relocation.
  
  
• Any deterrent measures must be taken only when you are certain that no skunks are present. May-August is not the time, as babies trapped inside will not survive and will create heartache for all involved.
  
  
• Lighting up of denning sites and a portable radio may cause the skunk to seek a more suitable habitat.
  
  
• Keep pet doors closed at night to prevent "illegal entry" by a skunk.
  
  
• Tomato juice, vinegar and Massengil douch will neutralize skunk odor on pets and people. Chlorine bleach or ammonia may be used on inanimate objects. Using these items will make the skunk odor tolerable, only time will eliminate it.
  
  
• Keep fruit trees picked and don't leave rotted fruit on the ground.
  
  
• Securely enclose chickens to prevent skunks from eating eggs and young chicks.
  
  

BENEFITS
Skunks are excellent at rodent and insect control and their diet includes black widow spiders and scorpions. Being carrion eaters, they help keep roadways and neighborhoods clean. With their slow, waddling gait and bushy tail, these gentle mammals are delightful to see from a distance, and play an important role in keeping nature in balance - the natural way.

Click here for a printable collection of the articles listed above from the booklet "Bats In Your Belfry, Tips On Co-Existing With Urban Wildlife."