3 Different Types of Skunks You May Encounter in Oshawa | Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control

3 Different Types of Skunks You May Encounter in Oshawa

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The chances of encountering a skunk during the day are slim. Skunks are nocturnal and typically only come out at night when most people are sleeping. If you ever do encounter a skunk, the best thing to do for your safety and theirs is to keep your distance. Skunks are docile creatures that prefer not to use their spray, but are well-equipped to defend themselves if necessary. Of course, it may be difficult to avoid encounters with skunks if they have made a home on your property. To avoid an unpleasant and potentially unsafe situation, you should call for professional skunk removal in Oshawa. Homeowners have many questions about skunks, mostly related to how to keep skunks away from their properties. It may surprise you to find out how many different kinds of skunks there are. Skunks are native to North and South America, and there are 12 different species. While we commonly associate skunks with the traditional black fur and white stripe, they all have some variations on the black and white markings that serve as a warning to predators. They all secrete a smelly musk that they can spray as a defensive mechanism. Among different skunk species, the chemical makeup of the spray varies, but they all contain compounds called thiols which are the main cause of the smell. As a result, all skunks smell more or less the same to untrained nostrils. Some species of skunks cross paths with humans more often than others. Here are three that you are most likely to encounter:

1. Striped Skunk

The striped skunk is what most people think of when they hear the word "skunk." It is the species most likely to live in suburban areas, which may be the reason why. It is recognizable by the two white stripes on its back in a V-shape. The stripes actually point to the location of the skunk's sprayers as a warning to predators to stay away. The scientific name of the striped skunk is "Mephitis mephitis," which basically translates to "stinky-stinky." However, like other species, striped skunks prefer to run away from danger and only use their spray as a last resort. Before they spray, they give warnings by puffing up their fur, hissing, stomping their feet, and finally, raising their tail.

2. Hooded Skunk

The hooded skunk belongs to the same genus as the striped skunk. Being so closely related, they have similar habits to the striped skunk and give off the same warnings when they are about to spray. They also look very similar to striped skunks and are often mistaken for them as a result. However, a hooded skunk typically has only one thick white stripe down its back instead of two, as the striped skunk has. They also have tufts of hair along their necks that the striped skunk lacks, and the hooded skunk's tail is longer.

3. Spotted Skunks

The markings of a spotted skunk look a bit like a series of broken lines as opposed to the solid, unbroken markings of the striped and hooded skunks. Spotted skunks also tend to be smaller than other species, only weighing up to four pounds, which can also help you distinguish them from other species. Most skunk species cannot climb trees, but the eastern spotted skunk is an exception. Like other skunks, the spotted skunk gives ample warning of its intention to spray when it feels threatened. However, its technique is a little different. A spotted skunk actually does a handstand, lifting its hindquarters into the air to get better aim. It dances around on its front feet before finally deploying its weapon.

Call Skedaddle for Skunk Removal in Oshawa

In addition to not being aggressive, skunks are also beneficial animals that eat dangerous pests. However, because of the misunderstandings that often arise when skunks and humans are in close proximity, it is better to have them removed from your property. Call Skedaddle to have the skunks removed humanely from your home, and decontaminate the areas where they have been. We also prevent them from coming back by screening your property against future intrusions.

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Bill Dowd

About the author: Bill Dowd is the Founder, President, and CEO of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. He established Skedaddle in 1989, recognizing the need for professional urban wildlife focusing on humane removal methods. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control have since had over 200,000 wildlife removals and exclusions with environment-friendly, poison-free methods since day one. Bill obtained his B.PhEd., from Brock University while playing varsity hockey. Bill also played hockey for the Ottawa 67’s and was drafted by the then Stanley Cup Champion New York Islanders. Bill has grown Skedaddle to the largest urban wildlife control company in Canada which currently services over 75 municipalities in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Bill has also been a guest speaker for many municipalities and educational institutions on urban wildlife.

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