IMPORTANT: If a skunk rapidly stomps his front foot, or arches his back and lifts his tail, it's a good sign he is about to spray. Get out of the way!
The most common problem with skunks is obviously their very strong odor. Skunks can spray their scented yellowish musky fluid up to 10 feet very accurately. But skunks can also create similar strong odors even without spraying.
Even though the odor is a common problem (and very unpleasant) it isn't the most serious issue when dealing with skunks. Skunks can carry diseases harmful to humans and pets like rabies, distemper, and leptospirosis. Leptospirosis, considered to be the most common disease transferred from animals to humans, can be very serious if left untreated.
Since the skunk is very common to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and other New England states, you are probably familiar with its strong smell. Skunks often live in close proximity to humans. You'll often find skunk burrows under buildings, sheds, decks, porches, and foundations.
It is possible that a skunk got into a fight with another animal (hopefully not your pet!) and sprayed in self-defense, but there are other reasons for a skunk to cause an unpleasant odor.
During mating season, skunks will mark their territory causing a similar odor. Or perhaps a skunk died in its burrow, which causes a persistent odor as the dead skunk decomposes.
Throughout most of the year, skunks are loners. In the cold winter months, skunks will group together in packs of as many as ten or more, which increases the probability of these things happening.
It goes without saying that if you have skunks trying to live in or around your home; something has to be done before the situation gets any worse.
Need help now? Call 877-415-0242 immediately. Remember, Gary's Wildlife has a 100% success rate removing bats.
Also for professional tips on preventing a skunk infestation from occuring in your home, enter your name and email address below to receive Gary's Wildlife prevention tips.
Skunks have long, curved claws on their front feet that are used for digging up grass and logs in search of insects. A single skunk can do a number on your front lawn after just a brief session of "grubbing".
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