Interesting facts about skunks

SKUNKS are mammals that can be easily recognised by their black and white coloured fur. There are 10 species of skunks and almost all of them live in North and Central America. They can live in open, shrub, wooded and urban areas. Skunks are not on the list of endangered species.

Skunks are extremely adaptable and thrive in many different habitats, as long as food and shelter are available. Because they rarely travel more than 3km from their established dens, a skunk will typically settle down within 3km of a water source.

Dens are made in tree hollows, hollowed out logs, brush piles, abandoned animal burrows and underneath porches and other structures. Skunks will occasionally dig their own burrows underground if no other shelter options are available.

Skunk diet: Though they typically prefer to dine on insects and grubs, skunks are omnivores, consuming a vast diet of both plant and animal matter. Skunks are opportunistic eaters, and their diets are flexible, often shifting with the seasons.

Some of skunks’ favourite foods include: A skunk diet: insects, eggs, fruit, small rodents, frogs, mushrooms

Skunk behaviour: Skunks are nocturnal, so they are most active at night. They do not hibernate, but they tend to be inactive during the coldest months in winter, when many gather in communal dens for warmth. For the remainder of the year, skunks are generally solitary, living and foraging alone.

Reproduction: Mating season is one of the only other times when skunks tend to socialise. Skunks have litters of one to seven young in late April through early June.

Digging: Skunks have strong forefeet and long nails, which make them excellent diggers. They dig holes in lawns, gardens and golf courses in search of food like grubs and earthworms. When no other form of shelter is available, they may even burrow underneath buildings by entering foundation openings.

Spraying: Skunks are known to release a powerful smell through their anal glands when threatened. Skunks will usually only attack when cornered or defending their young and spraying is not the first method of defence. A skunk will growl, spit, fluff its fur, shake its tail, and stamp the ground. If the intruder does not leave, the skunk will then lift its tail and spray its famous skunk odour. Signs of skunk damage: holes in your yard, damaged corn, pilfered

trash, tracks

Identify Skunk Damage: Skunks are notorious for the foul odour of their spray and their digging habits. Skunks will leave holes in your lawn when digging for insects and they can damage your foundation if one chooses to construct a burrow underneath your home. Skunk diseases: skunks can carry contagious diseases, viruses and parasites that can be transmitted to humans and/or pets through a bite.

Skunks and Rabies: Skunks are the primary carriers of rabies in the Midwest. Rabies is usually fatal to humans and pets unless treated immediately. If you suspect that a skunk may have rabies, do not approach it — call animal control immediately for assistance. There are two forms of rabies in skunks: the “furious” form, where skunks become aggressive, and the “dumb” form where they become unphased by human presence. Some other signs of rabies in skunks to look out for include activity during the daytime, an unsteady or disoriented gait, drooling, and/or foaming at the mouth.

A skunk’s sulfuric spray has a range of up to 10 feet, and its odour can be detected up to 1,5km.

Skunks eat wasps and honeybees, and will often attack beehives.

Immune to snake venom, skunks are known to eat poisonous snakes like rattlesnakes.

Although skunks have very poor eyesight, they have excellent senses of smell and hearing.

A group of skunks is called a surfeit. —