Skunks are nocturnal animals that adapt to almost any environment. Most people coexist with skunks in their yards without difficulty, but problems can arise when pets or young children are present.
Skunks become a serious nuisance when they spray around a shed, live beneath a crawl space or spray household pets. In addition to their powerful odour, skunks may carry rabies or distemper and should therefore be handled with care.
Their distinctive smell is easy to detect, but it may also come from another animal that has been sprayed. When frightened or injured, a skunk releases a powerful, persistent odour that is difficult to eliminate.
Groundhogs and skunks very often share the same shelter.
A groundhog creates access by digging one or more holes beneath a shed or entrance, which a skunk can then use. The nocturnal skunk occupies the upper level while the daytime groundhog lives below.
To resolve this situation, every animal must be removed and wire mesh installed 12 to 16 inches deep around the entire shelter.
Skunks generally mate between February and March when temperatures begin to rise.
Females give birth in early May after a gestation period of 60 to 75 days. Litters average four to six young but can contain as many as twelve.
Skunk kits are born blind and hairless and depend entirely on their mother for food and protection. Mothers remain highly protective until the young can forage and feed themselves.
Kits begin exploring at around four weeks of age and are generally weaned at approximately eight weeks.
