SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Skunk mating season has arrived, bringing increased activity from the animals through March as they search for mates.<\/p>\n
Sara Karnes with Missouri\u2019s Department of Conservation said skunks typically avoid confrontation with humans unless they feel threatened.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo long as they\u2019re not feeling threatened or harassed, they tend to keep a wide berth of people,\u201d Karnes said. \u201cSkunks are mostly nocturnal, and so they\u2019re trying to forage for food or trying to find that mate for themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
Warning signs to watch for<\/p>\n
Skunks will display warning behaviors before spraying, which serves as their last line of defense. Karnes said people should watch for specific signals.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll see them kind of stamping their feet. They\u2019ll turn their backside towards you. They raise their tail. And, that is when, you know, you need to start moving the other way,\u201d Karnes said.<\/p>\n
Pet owners should take extra precautions with dogs and cats, which may be curious about skunks they encounter. Keeping them on a leash or under close supervision can lower that risk. Plus, removing food sources around your home can keep them away from your yard, where your pets may roam.<\/p>\n
Health risks for pets<\/p>\n
Veterinarian Philip Brown said skunk encounters pose health risks beyond the smell.<\/p>\n
\u201cSkunks carry rabies,\u201d Brown said. \u201cIf it\u2019s a pet dog or a pet cat, it should be vaccinated according to state law. If they\u2019re vaccinated, they\u2019re probably okay. But if they get bit, you need to check with your veterinarian to see what they\u2019re absolutely recommending at the time of exposure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Removing skunk odor<\/p>\n
Brown said pet owners can try commercial products such as Skunk Off, De-Skunk, and Scout\u2019s Honor for thorough de-skunking. Veterinarians and groomers also have experience treating animals that have been skunk-sprayed.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost veterinarians have some kind of a formula that we\u2019ve used and had success with that doesn\u2019t hurt our animals,\u201d Brown said. \u201cPut it on, apply it, leave it for 10 minutes, and rinse it. Maybe you have to do it again, but you\u2019re going to be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Department of Conservation recommends a homemade remedy using one quart of hydrogen peroxide, a quarter cup of baking soda, and a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. The Department also has more information on striped <\/a>skunks<\/a> in Missouri and skunk control methods<\/a> to help you out. Another guide for skunks from the MDC is right here<\/a>.<\/p>\n