Everything You Should Know About Skunks

Skunks have a distinct look with black fur and a white stripe that essentially points to its smelly sprayer. These cat-sized animals are typically mild-mannered, but they let loose with a fury when they feel threatened.

Skunks actually provide a warning ahead of unleashing their powerful scent by doing a little dance with their front feet, raising their tail, and hissing. In many cases, moving slowly away from a skunk can defuse the situation. 

These critters are found across North America, including Upstate New York and Western Massachusetts. They average 20 to 30 inches long, with a tail that can be as long at 15 inches. Their signature sulfur-like smell serves as a powerful defense mechanism and can reach victims up to 10 feet away.

Skunks typically breed from late February until the end of March and usually only live one year, although they can sometimes live as long as seven years. These nocturnal animals are omnivores that eat insects, mice, snakes, fish, nuts, fruit, and garbage.

Skunk Dangers and Damage

Aside from the long-lasting odor that skunks use to repel predators, they can do significant damage in their quest to find suitable spots to build a den or forage for food. Skunks often den under porches and decks, and they may also enter garages and other secluded areas where they feel safe and sheltered.

When looking for food, skunks can damage lawns, landscaping beds, plants, and gardens. They have also been known to occasionally raid chicken coops in search of sustenance.

Beyond property damage, skunks pose a health risk to humans and other animals. Notably, skunks can carry rabies, a disease that damages the nervous system and creates inflammation, fever, and progressive symptoms that may lead to death if untreated. If you get bitten by a skunk, seeking prompt medical attention is critical.

Skunks also carry other diseases as well as parasitic worms, ticks, fleas, and lice.

Skunk Identification 

Their overpowering scent and unmistakable white-striped, black fur make skunks easy to recognize. Other signs of skunks include noises like clicking, purring, hissing, and screeching.

Lingering foul odors indicate skunks who have sprayed recently. If you see paw tracks with five toes, skunks are a likely culprit. When skunks feed, they often leave funnel-shaped holes in yards and garden beds. You may also notice droppings that include fur, seeds, and insect parts. 

Types of Skunks 

The striped skunk is the most common skunk in Western Massachusetts and throughout New England. Other types of skunks found in America include the hooded skunk, eastern spotted skunk, American hog-nosed skunk, and striped hog-nosed skunk. 

Skunk Diet and Habitat 

Skunks prefer various habitats, ranging from woodlands and fields to suburban areas with ready access to insects and food sources. They often den in sheds and garages and under porches and decks. They have powerful front paws capable of digging burrows 4 feet deep in the ground.

They are particularly attracted to easy food sources, including pet food left out overnight and garbage that’s easily accessible. Skunks are also attracted to rock piles, wood piles, crawlspaces, porches, and other spots easily converted into dens. 

Identification 

  • Class: Mammalia 
  • Family: Mephitidae
  • Size: Average 20 to 30 inches long; weight 6 to 14 pounds
  • Color: Black with a distinct white stripe along the back
  • Tail: Average 10 to 15 inches long 
  • Legs: 4 

Benefits of Professional Skunk Control 

A telltale odor isn’t the only sign that Pepé Le Pew may have moved into a home, business, or property. Handling this nuisance wildlife on your own can be challenging and downright dangerous. Skunks are one of the most common carriers of rabies, and they carry other diseases and parasites as well.

That’s why it’s essential to let professional skunk control experts handle things. Our technicians have the equipment, knowledge, and skills needed to safely and humanely manage removal, cleanup, and prevention.

During our free inspection, a USX Pest technician will expertly identify where and how skunks are entering the property. The information also helps us create a customized plan tailored to your unique property and situation to remove skunks and prevent them from returning.

Schedule a Free Skunk Inspection in Massachusetts or New York

Professional removal starts with a detailed, thorough assessment. Contact us online or complete the form to schedule an inspection. If you have questions or need help quickly, give us a call at 855-761-1550, and we’ll be happy to help.