Encountering a skunk can be startling, especially if it is on your property because then you may have to worry about how to get rid of skunks. Nevertheless, try to remember that the skunk does not want to spray you. It is probably more afraid than you are. By keeping calm and thinking critically, you may avoid an unpleasant encounter with a skunk.
How To React if You Meet a Skunk Out in the Open
Skunks may be living in your neighbourhood without you noticing because they are most active at night. If you take a walk in the early morning or late evening, you may come across one as it is coming or going from its den. This is more likely in autumn because skunks are busy finding food to build up fat stores for winter.
Stop moving the moment you catch sight of a skunk. If you remain immobile, the skunk may not notice you because of its poor vision. However, you could startle it with movements that are sudden or brisk.
Watch the skunk to see where it is going. Skunks are burrowing creatures, so they will probably head for cover. Using slow, steady motions, move out of the skunk’s path. The skunk will likely go its own way, and you are free to go yours, keeping up the same slow pace to avoid frightening the skunk.
What To Do if You Find a Skunk on Your Property
As when you encounter a skunk out in the open, you should stay as still as possible and try to keep out of the skunk’s path to avoid threatening it without meaning to. However, in this situation, you want to observe, carefully and quietly, where the skunk goes once it passes you. The reason is that the skunk may have made a burrow on your property, in which case you need skunk removal in Whitby to close off the entry points and encourage the skunks to move along.
If you find a skunk on your property, you should not intimidate or harass it by approaching it to scare it away. That might work if the skunk can see an escape route, but if the skunk feels cornered, it might spray.
What To Do if You Encounter a Skunk in Its Den
If you see a skunk escape into a den on your property, don’t try to approach it. Imagine how frightened you would be if a burglar suddenly followed you into your house; that’s how a skunk would feel if you try to disturb its den. Give the den plenty of space; if a skunk has burrowed underneath a deck or porch, avoid walking across it until you have the skunks removed.
Skunks use grass, leaves, or stones to conceal the entrance to their dens. If you see a collection of these materials and think it may be a skunk den, stay quiet and turn around slowly to leave. If the den is on your property, you have to call for skunk control, but if not, just leave the skunks in peace.
Why You Should Keep Pets Away From Skunks
Dogs and cats are curious. When they first meet a skunk, they may investigate to find out if it is a friend, an enemy, or potential food. Skunks usually give warnings before spraying, but pets may misinterpret these signals and get sprayed. If a pet gets close enough, a skunk may bite, and skunks can carry rabies.
Protect your pets by keeping them indoors as much as possible and by keeping their vaccinations up to date. If you have to let pets outside after dark, turn on a porch light first to startle skunks away. Don’t feed your pet outside, or skunks may be tempted to eat their food.
Skedaddle Knows How To Get Rid of Skunks
If you’re dealing with a skunk or other wildlife issue in Whitby or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact us for help. Our friendly staff is always available to answer any questions you may have. Whether you need skunk removal, squirrel control, or any other wildlife management services, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has got you covered. Contact us for skunk removal or other wildlife control services in Whitby.
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