That's No Flower
By Andrea Peck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54sZ8TFFAmY
I don't know about you, but I have been noticing a lot of dead skunks on the road. The darker regions of my mind wonder if there isn't some underground game that gives points for each successful hit. Too many late night movies, I suppose. But, let's face it; the skunk is a maligned creature.
I saw one in real life once. It was outside of the chicken coop rummaging around. Skunks are known to prey on small fowl, but my hens are large and vicious so I don't have an inordinate fear of predators. It was darkish when I made my first sighting and I will tell you I was amazed at how attractive the little brute was. Its lush black fur gave way to two smooth, Pepsodent-white stripes. The fur had a healthy sheen. It was compact and officious. No wonder kids call it ‘kitty' and no wonder it gets into such trouble.
But, we all know that there is an elephant in the room.
This elephant, for the squeamish amongst us, rests in the anal glands of the lovely skunk. It is here that the skunk emits that malodorous stench that sends the bravest of souls inside from their night garden to watch Downton Abbey. I have a small dog that was sprayed. Forget about tomato juice. He has never recovered to his own dandery aroma. And it's been years.
I must admit there is something oddly pleasant about the odor. That is, if it is not on the back of your couch.
You may not believe that the skunk is a bit of a penny pincher when it comes to its potent reek. At any given time it has only enough on hand to do the squirt 5 or 6 times. After that, it has to wait about ten days to replenish its supply. If you are an empathetic sort that has a finesse for reading body language, you will detect the characteristic foot stomping, hissing and threatening tail-raising that is supposed to warn you that what comes next is not at all what you want. Of course, this would be during 0'dark thirty. And the legs are really small. So, you can probably stick to the coloring which is the opposite of camouflage, my friend. That dramatic garment that clothes the skunk is called aposematic coloring, which is meant to send you on your way. Quickly, please.
Worse than the smell, however, is the bite. As cute as skunky is, he does have a propensity towards rabies. Yes, rabies. Remember, that fatal disease?
Skunks that meander around during daylight hours are suspicious. So are those that are sick looking, grumpy or downright aggressive. If you find a skunk in this condition, you do not want to pick it up, name it and take it home. Instead go for option two: call the county health department. Never try to trap a skunk yourself. If you are bitten, it is important to seek medical attention. The same goes for your pets. By the way, all outside pets should be given a regular rabies vaccine.
Along with the fatal disease, skunks can be a real nuisance. If you still have a lawn, you may see them out there digging holes or slicing up whole tile-sized pieces in search of grubs and insects. They don't care if you just mowed it, they are hungry. They are omnivorous, which is just a fancy word for equal-opportunity eater. They have one predator and that is the Great Horned Owl. Maybe the owl just swivels its head to avoid the smell. Who knows.
Despite disease, annoyance and a scent that could send you into next year, the skunk is not looking for trouble. How you handle the skunk depends on your situation. If your sightings are rare and you have a big enough garden space, then let the poor little fuzzball be. Now, on the other hand, if your backyard is smaller than your bathroom and you are inundated, then you may need to address the issue.
When the skunk population exceeds the size allotted, you will need to look towards management techniques. Cut back habitat such as shrubbery and reduce food sources, such as dog food and water, cover trash and compost. Exclusion from patios and decks is best done with wire. Be sure all skunks have exited the den or you could have complaints from the tenants. One way to do this is to make a temporary gate that is larger than the hole – this will allow the skunk out, but not back in. This will not work when there are young that are unable to walk, however.
And keep this recipe on hand for your pets:
One quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
¼ cup baking soda
1 tsp hand soap
Don't store the above recipe – the combination of ingredients may explode.
Care is warranted with skunks no matter the setting. They have very poor vision and short, slow legs. This is why you see them on the roads. Despite their reputation, the skunk is quite an interesting creature so keep your eyes open and drive carefully.