In Richmond it has become common to wake up and discover that large patches of your lawn have been dug up. Raccoons may be partly to blame, but the most penetrating damage is likely the handiwork of a skunk, an animal with stout front legs and sturdy claws adapted to digging.
Where do skunks live in Virginia?
This subspecies of striped skunk is found only in the eastern half of the state. They prefer bushy fields, and forest borders. They like deciduous forests that are low, second growth and more open areas over dense forests. They are normally found within 2 miles of water.
Do skunks live in Virginia?
Did you know there are two different species of skunks in Virginia? Almost everyone is familiar with the sight (and smell) of the common striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), which is widely distributed throughout the state.
Where do skunks live in BC?
Range and Habitat
Striped skunks are found throughout most of British Columbia except for Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and other coastal islands. The spotted skunk in limited to the Lower Mainland. Skunks tend to forage within 800 m of their den but may venture as far as 2 km.
Where do you usually find skunks?
They are located under wood and rock piles, buildings, porches and concrete slabs, as well as in rock crevices, culverts, drain pipes and fallen hollow trees. Skunks can dig their own dens but often use burrows abandoned by other animals.
How do you tell if a skunk is near?
Warning signs to heed
Even then, they give ample warning that should be heeded — stamping front feet, a raised tail, hissing, short forward charges and twisting their hind end around in your direction. Spotted skunks will even contort into a characteristic handstand, rump in the air with eyes still fixed on the threat.
What attracts a skunk to your yard?
Skunks can be attracted to a yard or a house by certain items that might be in the yard or near the house. As stated before, bird seed and sunflower seeds are two main attractors of skunks. Pet food, garbage, grills and lumber can also attract skunks, as can openings under houses, decks or sheds.
What time do skunks come out?
Skunks are usually nocturnal, coming out well after dark, and heading back to their den around dawn. They breed in the spring from February to May, have a gestation period of 9 weeks, and have approximately 5-8 young per litter.
What does a skunk hole look like?
To obtain these treats, skunks dig small, round, cone-shaped holes in your yard or garden. These holes measure around 3 to 5 inches across. Skunk feeding holes look distinctively circular from the surface. Close up, you may notice that they start wide and taper inward as the skunk digs deeper into the ground.
Why do skunks spray every night?
Skunks That Spray in the Night
It isn’t uncommon for these shy and generally docile animals to use their primary form of defence at night. A skunk sprays when it feels threatened or is startled. Females also use their stench to tell a potential suitor that his attentions are not welcome.
What Canadian province has no skunks?
In Canada, striped skunks can be found in ever province except Newfoundland and Labrador. This species was introduced on PEI by fur farmers in 1915 and are now a well-established species on the island.
What time of day are skunks most active?
night
They are most active at night, but will sometimes venture out in the daylight hours in search of food or to find a mate. Skunks do not hibernate, although they do stay within their dens during colder temperatures. Other than during mating season, they spend most of their time alone.
Why does my house smell like a skunk?
What a Skunk Smell Probably Means. More likely, a skunk-like odor coming through your vents means you have a gas leak in your HVAC system. Specifically, methyl mercaptan, a gas that smells a whole lot like a skunk’s spray, could be entering your ductwork and the house.
Will a skunk chase you?
Skunks are relatively docile and harmless animals who tend to mind their own business as long as they remain undisturbed. Generally, a healthy skunk will not chase you as skunks tend to avoid humans or animals that are larger than them. Use scent repellents to keep skunks away from you.
Are skunks aggressive?
A skunk is one of the most peace-loving, non-aggressive animals you could ever meet. Skunks are also extremely nearsighted. They will only “shoot” their defensive spray when frightened, and they give you plenty of time to back off by stamping their front feet as a warning.
Can skunks see you?
If you run into a skunk in the open, the first thing you should do is stop moving. Skunks have poor eyesight and sudden movements may startle them. If possible, avoid letting the skunk see you at all.
Do skunks warn you before they spray?
Do skunks always spray when threatened? No, skunks do not always spray when they feel threatened. They typically show warning signs first, like raising their tail, stomping their feet, and hissing or charging if their striped appearance isn’t warning enough.
What noise scares skunks?
Make Loud, Scary Noises
Yell, clap your hands, bang pots and pans together, stomp, or even use an air horn to scare skunks away.
What are 3 symptoms of being sprayed by a skunk?
One can face some symptoms of irritation, itching and burning eyes when get sprayed by the skunks.
How do you tell if a skunk is living in your yard?
Top 4 Signs of a Skunk Invasion
- ➀ Smell. Skunks are commonly known for their unpleasant smell.
- ➁ Tracks & Droppings. Skunks have very unique paw prints in comparison to over similar-sized animals, which makes identifying them easier.
- ➂ Ground Depressions.
- ➃ Sightings.
Can a skunk smell enter your house?
Skunk smell can get into your house from a variety of sources. For instance, you or your pet might be sprayed, or a skunk could spray something else directly outside of your house.