We don’t need an introduction to skunks, as these animals are renowned for their strong odor, which is released from their anal scent glands when threatened or mating. Although some try and turn them into pets, they are wild animals, and it is not advised. Most Americans would agree that these black and white creatures can be more of a nuisance than anything else. There are two species in California, the spotted and the striped. The striped is the most common one found around homes.

Once the sun goes down, they burrow underneath porches, decks, and foundations, weakening the structures. They can destroy your garden or front lawn during the evening hours, leaving you a mystery about the culprit. However, for the knowledgeable eye, their cone-shaped holes are a dead giveaway. Once they carve out spaces for their dens, they create a bowl-shaped area and line it with leaves. You may not know that you have a skunk problem until parts of your property sink.

The average skunk gives birth to between two and ten offspring per year, so they can quickly reproduce.  For that reason alone, if you are suspicious that you have a skunk problem, it’s best to get it taken care of immediately by a professional. Their oily spray is sulfur-based, difficult to wash off, and can reach victims up to 10 feet away. This substance is also capable of causing health issues if it gets in your eyes. Contrary to popular belief, these creatures use their spray carefully, as it takes over a week to regenerate. They have terrible eyesight. Ten feet is the top-range of their vision but they do have excellent hearing and sense of smell.  The spotted skunk can climb trees. They often stomp their front paws or charge at an attacker in an attempt to chase them off instead. If you are chased by one, climbing may not be the answer.

One of the most dangerous things about these tuxedo-colored creatures is they can carry rabies without displaying a rabid animal’s typical behavior. Other serious illnesses that can be caught from skunks include intestinal roundworm, canine distemper, zoonoses, canine hepatitis, and leptospirosis.

Skunks are immune to snake venom and have been known to eat several poisonous snakes. They eat rodents, bees, worms, insects, and other critters. This diet is one of the primary reasons that they tear up your yard or garden. For an easier meal, garbage is on the menu, and they don’t clean up after themselves when they eat.

If you think you may have a skunk problem, it’s best to have a professional come and assess the issue. Gold Country Animal Control is the top-rated service in Northern California, and we are experts in practicing sustainable and humane methods of nuisance wildlife control. Our services are not limited to residential removal, and we specialize in commercial and agricultural issues as well for animals such as raccoons, beavers, coyotes, and more. Contact us today to schedule an estimate and learn more about our skunk removal service.