SKUNKS
Skunks (Mephitidae family in the order Carnivora)
Physical Characteristics
There are twelve (12) species of skunks’ separated, by their black and white markings, into four (4) genera’s. The most common skunk in California is the stripped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) but it is the Spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis) that we see most often around human dwellings. Skunks can weigh up to 14 lbs (species dependent) with a length between 33cm – 46cm (13in – 18in) excluding the tail which is another 18cm – 25cm (7in – 10in). Both species have large bushy tails, triangular heads, and the ability to secrete a liquid with a strong foul odor when threatened. Before “spraying” the skunk will give several warnings with its final warning standing on its front legs with its hind quarters in the air. If the intruder/threat does not back off the skunk will proceed to squeeze its two anal glands together secreting a pungent scent against the threat/intruder.
Behavior
Skunks are nocturnal beginning their quest for food at dawn and dusk (crepuscular). In the summer and spring skunks mainly feed on insects and other mammals. In the winter and fall they mainly feed on plants, berries and nuts. Skunks have entered human dwellings in search of left out dog food and have been known to seek out human garbage. The skunk will retire to its den come sunrise. This den could be a rock pile, boulder, burrow, or underneath a structure (home). Predatory animals seldom attack skunks for fear of being sprayed except for the great horned owl, which is the skunk’s greatest predator due to the owl having poor sense glands. Skunks are one of the primary predators of honeybees, relying on their thick coat for protection from stings. The skunk scratches at the front of the hive and eats the bees that come flying out. Mother skunks are known to teach this technique to their young. Skunks breed once a year and their litters are generally born in the spring approximately nine weeks after conception. On average there are five to eight young per litter. The young continue to nurse for up to two to four months & may stay with their mother for up to a year.
Control
Skunks can be infested with ticks, fleas, lice, & mites, known transmitters of diseases such as rabies, canine distemper, roundworm, leptospirisis, histoplasmosis, tularemia, Q-fever, trypanosoma, salmonella, mange, distemper, listeriosis, and canine hepatitis among other transmitted diseases. Poisoning skunks is prohibited. California Fish and Game approval is required before trapping and relocating any wild animal. If you have a problem with any of these animals, call for assistance. All trapped animals will be humanely dispatched in accordance with applicable laws and guidelines. Once the animal is removed, flea control measures may be required to prevent infestations.
West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District