WASHINGTON - While people are busy trying to find a date for Valentine's Day, or planning their romantic evening with their other half, amorous male skunks are busy doing some courting as well. February and March is mating season for striped skunks. That means "skunk smell" will be at its peak. According to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the stinky problem occurs when the male tries to court the female who may not be "in the mood." Unlike the sweet smelling gifts of perfume and flowers, the aroma generated when female skunks spray their rejected suitors is THAT smell that makes them so disliked by people. Luckily, skunk romance only lasts a short time and the noxious odors will soon waft away.
According to Laura Simon, wildlife expert and field director of urban wildlife programs for The HSUS, "Skunk spray has given this gentle, non-aggressive creature a bad reputation. They will not hurt you and actually are helpful to people because they eat grubs, insects, mice, and even baby rats."
Simon recommends, "If you keep your garbage cans upright and do not leave pet food outside that will help keep them away. People should also make sure to cover openings under patios, decks, porches, and crawl spaces to prevent occupancy. But first be sure that no one is living underneath. The best option is to apply a 'one-way door' allowing any occupants to leave but not return. You want them to find a natural den, not your home. These simple tips will not only keep skunks away, but most other wildlife as well."
Skunk facts:
- Skunks are cat-sized or smaller with long fur and long bushy tails.
- Skunks are nearsighted.
- Skunks are solitary animals, except when raising young or sharing a den during cold periods.
- Skunks breed in February and March and the babies are born in May and June.
- Skunks den in natural cavities like woodchuck burrows, hollow logs, and brush piles, as well as crevices in stone walls and under buildings.
- A den is used only for brief periods because skunks are nomadic by nature.
- Skunks are members of the Mustelid family, a group that includes weasels, martens, and badgers.
- Skunks are found throughout most of North America.
- Skunks do not engage in long migrations and have home ranges that encompass a few hundred acres at most.
- Skunks can be active all year but will remain in dens during cold spells.
- Skunks often tumble into window wells and not able to climb out due to their nearsightedness and poor climbing ability. If a skunk is stuck in a window well, it is very easy to help him out. (visit www.hsus.org for easy how-to advice)
- Prevent a skunk in your window well by purchasing a window well cover which is inexpensive and readily available at hardware stores.
The HSUS Wild Neighbors™ Program promotes non-lethal means for resolving conflicts between people and wildlife and cultivates understanding and appreciation for wild animals commonly found in cities and towns. On the web at www.wildneighbors.org.
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The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization with 9.5 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects all animals through education, advocacy, litigation, investigation, legislation and fieldwork. The non-profit organization is based in Washington, DC and has regional offices across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
