SKUNKS
SKUNKS
Advantage Wildlife Solutions provides nuisance skunk removal to the following areas of Virginia - Albemarle, Augusta, Greene, Nelson, Page Rockingham and Shenandoah Counties, and the cities of Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Luray, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Woodstock.
The Striped Skunk (Mephitis Mephitis) is the skunk that causes the most problems throughout the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia, although the Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) is also found in the state. Skunks are members of the weasel family (Mustelidae).
Striped skunks are short, stocky mammals about the size of a domestic house cat. They typically have a triangular-shaped head tapering to a blunt nose, a large bushy tail, and large feet equipped with well-developed claws. Their color pattern is typically characterized by two prominent white stripes down the back in a coat of jet black fur. The amount of white on the back varies tremendously, from just a patch on the head to stripes covering the entire back.
Spotted skunks are about one-half the size of striped skunks and are much more weasel-like. They are readily distinguishable by white spots in front of each ear and on the forehead and four to six broken white stripes on the back. These animals are much more nervous than striped skunks and are better climbers. Spotted Skunks are protected in Virginia.
Skunks are nocturnal, becoming active from sunset to slightly after sunrise. Female skunks are not great travelers, whereas male skunks may travel up to four or five miles a night during breeding season. Skunk home ranges normally vary from one to one and a half miles in diameter.
Skunks mate in February and the young are born in May and June. Usually five to nine young kits are born in a litter, but there can be as many as 18 or as few as two. Young skunks are weaned when they are about two months old. Families break up during August and September when the young leave to find their own homes.
Skunks become a problem when they dig under foundations; take up residence under a house, porch, or building; dig in lawns, golf courses, and gardens for insect larvae or roots; disturb refuse and garbage cans; or kill and eat poultry eggs or fowl. Skunk diggings normally appear as 3- to 4-inch cone-shaped holes or patches of upturned earth. Be cautious, as many other animals, including domestic dogs, also dig in lawns. Skunks can also damage beehives as they feed on adult and larval bees. Another problem that Advantage Wildlife Solutions sometimes encounters is when a skunk inadvertently falls into an open window well.
Skunks are prone to distemper and rabies and therefore can pose a health risk to the community. If you notice a skunk acting strangely (aggressive or nervous, wandering in the daytime, or tame and listless), do not approach it. Parents should warn children never to approach or pet a skunk or any other wild animal.
Advantage Wildlife Solutions specializes in odor-free skunk removal. If a skunk sprays after we have arrived at your property and begun removal operations - you don't pay! If, however, one has already sprayed and you want to know how to clean-up the problem check out this website - Removing Skunk Odor.
Advantage Wildlife Solutions
PO Box 257
Shenandoah VA 22849
540-435-4849
email - advantagewildlifesolutions@yahoo.com
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