Skunks

Timely Topics

Skunks are in abundance and some folks may wonder why. It appears conditions have been favorable for skunks over the past year based on the elevated number of road kills and encounters your columnist has experienced or heard of.

An excellent summary of skunk life cycle and biology is available from Penn State University, copies of this publication may be obtained from the Rockbridge Extension Office. Here are a few highlights.

Skunks are well-known, nocturnal residents of Virginia. They have earned their negative reputation through the odor, their denning behavior that often occurs too close to a human dwelling, and their proclivity to dig in a wellmanicured lawn for insects, often leaving characteristic cone-shaped holes.

Skunk populations can range from two to 50 individuals per square mile. Adult skunks begin breeding in February through late March. Older females bear young late April to early May, while yearling females bear young a month later. There usually is only one litter annually. Litters commonly consist of four to six young.

The normal home range of the skunk is 0.5 to 2 miles. During the breeding season, a male may travel 4 to 5 miles each night. Skunks are dormant for about a month during the coldest part of winter.

Skunks can carry rabies. When a skunk becomes infected with the virus, it may not be apparent for many days. Any skunk showing abnormal behavior, such as daytime activity, may be rabid and should be treated with caution however, just seeing a skunk during the day does not mean it has rabies.

Skunks are beneficial in that they feed on large numbers of agricultural and garden pests with insects being their favorite. Skunks also may cause damage in agricultural situations, feeding on corn, take poultry or eggs, or damage beehives.

Because many other animals cause similar damage, it is important to try and identify the problem species before undertaking control measures. When skunks kill poultry, they usually only take one or two individuals at a time and generally will not climb over fences. Eggs are usually opened on one end with the edges crushed inward. Weasels, mink, dogs and raccoons usually kill several chickens or ducks at a time. Dogs will often severely mutilate poultry.

The best way to remove skunk odor from yourself or pets is with a solution of 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda, and a teaspoon of liquid soap of your choice. Personal experience of your columnists leads him to recommend keeping these products on hand and the recipe may need to be doubled or tripled for sufficient quantities to overcome the odor. Wash clothing with laundry detergent mixed with half a cup of baking soda. If you don’t have hydrogen peroxide, vinegar diluted with water also helps reduce the smell.

According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, skunks are not protected and a landowner may kill a skunk on their own land at anytime without a kill permit. It is illegal in Virginia to relocate wildlife. For more detailed information on skunks and their control, contact the Rockbridge Extension Office.