No Need To Make A Stink Over Skunks
Peak activity for skunks occurs during February and March, when male skunks attempt to court females. Unfortunately, it’s during this time that our wild neighbors attract unwanted attention, too.
The unmistakable skunk eau de parfum has given these animals a negative reputation. In reality, skunks are gentle, non-aggressive creatures. And they are omnivorous, which makes them nice to have around to keep the insect and rodent population in check. According to local skunk whisperer Burton Butler, “Skunks only want a warm, dry place to nest, rent-free in Marin. It just might happen to be under your house!”
Skunks are partial to semi-open country and usually live within two miles of water (welcome to Marin). After the winter rains wash debris from building foundations, it’s not difficult for skunks to find a spot to nest.
There are several things you can do to discourage skunks from romping around your property. Skunks are notorious for rummaging through trash, so be sure to dispose of garbage properly. Make sure garbage can lids are securely fastened and wait until the morning of pick-up day to take them outside. Also, try installing a 3-foot high wire mesh fence around spaces that may provide shelter, extended at least 6 inches below the ground to prevent digging underneath.
Once skunks have made their home beneath a building, the problem is a little more difficult because you have to be sure the animals have left before blocking the opening. The best way to determine this is to spread a layer of flour near the suspected entrance. Examine the flour just after dark, checking for long thin footprints leading outward.
If you see prints, don’t close up the entrance. The Marin Humane Society does not advocate trapping, but if absolutely necessary, you can use a humane trap to help remove skunks from under your house. It is not advised to trap a skunk after mid-March as females will have begun to give birth and you don’t want to take a mother from her babies.
California Fish and Game Code regulations prohibit the relocation of skunks without a permit, so you must release the skunk in the general vicinity of your property. To avoid capturing other animals, use a small-sized trap and set it as close as possible to the nesting area. Cover the trap with a tarp, except for the opening, and leave enough material to completely cover the trap once the skunk is caught. For bait, use a piece of partially cooked chicken. The best time to set the trap is in the early evening. Skunks are nocturnal and start searching for food just after sunset.
We all know what happens when the family dog discovers a skunk! If your dog is sprayed, forget the tomato juice — it doesn’t work. Instead, advises Butler, mix together a quart of hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Wash down the dog, yourself or anything that was sprayed directly. The smell may remain for a while, but the skunk spray will be neutralized.
If you are concerned about a sick or injured skunk, please call the Humane Society at (415) 883-4621.
