Every winter in Montreal, the city transforms under a blanket of snow and the festive glow of Mount Royal, but these cold months also bring different challenges for local homeowners and their pets. Skunk and pet encounters in winter become more frequent as skunks seek shelter beneath decks, porches, and sheds—the same outdoor spaces your pets love to explore. 

As skunks enter states of deep rest called torpor, encounters don’t always mean face-to-face greetings, but when they do happen, the results can be distressing for both pets and families. Understanding how these encounters unfold, how to manage skunk odour, and how to prevent skunk pet interactions during winter can make the difference between a minor event and a prolonged headache.  

We’ve spent over 30 years helping Montreal residents keep their properties and their animals safe from unwanted wildlife, including skunks. Based on our experience and expertise, we want to share practical winter skunk safety tips, outline the broad impact skunk encounters have on pets, and provide actionable steps to create a safer environment for everyone.  

Why Skunk Encounters with Pets Increase in Winter

Montreal’s winter weather drives both pets and skunks to seek cozy, protected places. Your deck, shed, or porch offers the warmth and shelter that skunks need to survive the cold months. At the same time, dogs and cats are often curious about new scents or changes in their environment, especially when spending time outdoors or during family walks.  

Several reasons contribute to increased skunk-pet encounters during this season:  

1. Skunks increase their activity during mild spells when they come out searching for food and water, putting them directly in the path of pets.  
2. Skunks do not hibernate but enter long periods of rest, emerging only occasionally, which often coincides with a pet’s nighttime or early morning stroll.  
3. Skunks are drawn to properties where food scraps or garbage are accessible, making residential areas hot spots for potential interaction.

When these two paths cross, the risk of pets being sprayed increases significantly. This not only means dealing with stubborn odours but also managing the stress that comes with surprise wildlife encounters.  

Behavioural Changes in Pets After a Skunk Encounter

Much attention is given to skunk odour, but less is discussed about what happens to pets emotionally after a skunk encounter. Many pet owners notice changes that can include anxiety, avoidance, or even aggression. Addressing the psychological side is key to helping your pets recover fully.  

Signs to watch for after a winter skunk interaction include:  

1. Increased fear of going outdoors, especially near the spot where the incident occurred.  
2. Unusual hiding or clinging behaviour, as pets seek comfort or avoid the area of the incident.  
3. Aggression or barking at unfamiliar scents, particularly if pets associate them with previous negative experiences.

When you notice any of these shifts, support your pets with extra reassurance and patience. Reward calm behaviour during walks and revisit the area together at a comfortable pace. If your pet’s anxiety persists, it may help to consult a veterinarian or animal behaviour expert. These subtle changes are more than an inconvenience—they remind us of the importance of preventing repeat encounters, especially during the colder months when pets spend more time indoors but need outdoor activity for their health.  

Preventing Skunk Pet Interactions

Winter skunk safety begins long before the first signs of wildlife. The key is making your property less inviting to skunks, which naturally lowers the chances of your pets having an unpleasant encounter.  

We recommend homeowners and business owners in Montreal take the following actions:  

• Inspect the perimeter of decks, sheds, and porches for holes or signs of digging.  
• Store garbage in secure bins with tight lids to prevent access.  
• Remove food sources, including fallen fruit, bird seed, and compost, especially before snowfall covers them from view.  
• Keep pet food indoors and avoid leaving bowls or treats outside overnight.

Our Skedaddle team specializes in making homes skunk-resistant. We install heavy-duty steel mesh barriers deep around at-risk structures to block entry points and prevent repeat visits. Our technicians also deodorize affected areas, removing skunk-attracting scents and thoroughly cleaning up after removals.  

How Skedaddle Helps Safeguard Your Home and Pets

Beyond DIY precautions, some situations call for the expertise of wildlife removal professionals. Our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is equipped to help Montreal residents year-round—especially in winter when skunk removals become more challenging.  

Here’s what we offer to support skunk pet encounter risks:  

• Complete property inspections to identify all possible skunk entry points and den sites.  
• Humane removal strategies are designed to prevent defensive spraying and minimize stress for both skunks and pets.  
• Installation of deep-set steel mesh barriers to secure decks, sheds, and porches, keeping out current and future intruders.  
• Thorough deodorization and cleaning of contaminated areas to prevent recurring problems.

By trusting professionals, you reduce the chance of repeated encounters, eliminate the struggle of major odour contamination, and protect your pets from both immediate and long-term stress or anxiety.  

Keep Winter Skunk Encounters From Spoiling Your Season

Winter in Montreal can be magical, but sharing your space with skunks is far from festive—especially when pets are involved. As skunks seek shelter beneath decks and sheds, curious pets become more likely to cross paths, resulting in defensive sprays, lingering odours, and even behavioural changes that can impact the well-being of your entire household. Proactive steps like minimizing attractants, securing entry points, and understanding best practices for odour removal are essential for keeping both pets and property safe during the colder months.

When prevention and quick remedies aren’t enough, relying on experienced professionals makes all the difference. Skedaddle’s humane, comprehensive approach ensures that skunks are safely removed, contaminated areas are thoroughly cleaned, and permanent barriers are installed to stop future invasions—protecting your pets and giving you year-round peace of mind. Reach out to Skedaddle today and let us help you reclaim your home, so you and your furry companions can enjoy the winter worry-free.