As anyone who has experienced this knows, this pungent spray is very difficult to get rid of, whether on your dog, your clothing or even just lingering in the air. “While skunks can become quite comfortable around humans, if cornered, startled or threatened by humans or their pets, skunks may spray their pungent musk as a defence. WildSafeBC says that dogs are often sprayed after chasing or otherwise harassing skunks. “Skunks typically make their dens on or underground,” said Isnardy.ĭog owners should also be cautious at this time of year, especially after dark. She adds that it wouldn’t be typical of a skunk to climb into your rafters in an outbuilding, but other critters like raccoons and rats will do so. “It’s also good to make sure that your garbage is secure, that bird seed isn’t close to the ground and that fruit trees are picked. “Putting up fencing around your porch or other potential den areas can prevent skunks from making a den near your home,” said Isnardy. Skunks can also be attracted to yards by things like garbage, birdseed, windfall fruit and pet food. Skunks tend to thrive in backyards and farm fields, and are opportunistic carnivores. She adds that since female skunks will typically have their kits in early May, there is still time to prevent access to homes and outbuildings. So if there is a skunk family under your porch, let’s say, and the kits aren’t mobile, it is best to leave them be. “You don’t want to separate the mom from her kits, or they could die.
The danger with this method, she says, is if skunks have already had their kits. One way of doing so is by installing a one-way mesh door so the skunk can leave, but not re-enter. Isnardy says that there are several ways to deter a skunk from denning near your home. READ MORE: Raccoons on the rise in the East Kootenay Skunk mating season typically takes place during February and March, with kits born in early May. They rarely dig their own burrows, preferring to use abandoned dens of other animals, or by finding creases and gaps under porches and buildings. Because it’s mating season, you don’t want them having babies under a porch, so it’s best to exclude them from setting up,” Isnardy explained.Īccording to the WildSafeBC website, skunks don’t hibernate, but they do spend the winter months in underground dens. “With all wildlife, you want to give them lots of space. Vanessa Isnardy, Provincial Coordinator for WildSafeBC, says it is best to deter skunks from making dens near your house before they have kits (babies). With spring right around the corner, residents in the area may notice a spike in skunk activity as their mating season has begun.
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