Something Stinks!

How do you stop a skunk from smelling?  Hold its nose...

And that's why I would have never made it as a comedian!

Very seldom do we come in direct contact with skunks.  They are night crawlers and are usually found in forests, fields or suburban areas. 

Skunks are unique, almost cat-like animals. They are identified by their black and white stripes and the strong-smelling liquid they spray when in danger. This liquid is ejected from a skunk’s backside and can spray up to 10 feet.  It is dangerous for humans to interact with skunks, and their heavy spray can even cause blindness. If a skunk begins to stomp its feet, then they are most likely about to spray their liquid, thus causing you to move in with distant family for a few days!

They tend to find habitats under buildings or places where they can create burrows in small spaces. Due to their small size, skunks can effortlessly nest under porches and other hard-to-reach areas of building properties. Skunks are also good climbers and have the ability to creep up the side of homes and commercial construction. They are capable of nesting inside attics, garages and storage spaces, creating damage to goods and property.

They can be carriers of rabies and are able to produce bite and scratch abrasions that transmit the disease to humans. This is extremely rare.  I mean, who wants to be sprayed AND bitten by a skunk, right? 

With their size and climbing skills, skunks can cause substantial damage when they enter and inhabit residential homes and businesses. Their scent is a combination of feces and urine and can permanently stain tangible items if they come in contact with humans or other animals.  If you encounter a skunk in your home or business, contact a professional pest or critter control company immediately.  

If your family pet encounters a skunk and gets sprayed, quickly wash the pet in blue Dawn.  The scent could reappear but the main thing is to clean the pets eyes, nose and mouth area to prevent them from becoming sick.  It's probably best to contact your local animal vet as well for further treatment.

For more information, visit http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Learning/documents/Profiles/skunk.pdf

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