1. Stomping and Hissing
Regardless of its fame, a skunk doesn’t instantly resort to spraying individuals or pets. Most skunks wish to keep away from confrontation and can attempt to evade predators or curious individuals. If the animal can’t escape pursuit or is unwilling to run, it would defend itself.
Whereas the smelly, oily discharge is the final word defence, skunks don’t again proper into it; as an alternative, the animal makes an attempt to scare off potential threats first. A skunk will stomp and hiss earlier than it sprays. If the menace fails to heed the warning, the animal will spray. A skunk can spray as much as six instances in fast succession, and it might probably ship the spray a distance of 10 to fifteen ft.
2. Digging
Digging can be a standard skunk behaviour. As foragers, skunks search meals anyplace they’ll get them. The bottom is a plethora of bugs, that are a major meals supply for skunks.
The animal’s claws are lengthy, sturdy, and extremely sharp, permitting it to dig quickly and catch its prey. Skunks can dig many holes in a single night time, and so they are likely to dig holes which might be round three to 4 inches deep.
3. Sleeping Throughout the Day
Primarily, skunks are nocturnal, which means they’re extra lively at night time and sleep in the course of the day. Nevertheless, skunks are additionally crepuscular, which means they’re lively at nightfall and daybreak.
Many individuals assume that seeing a skunk when the solar is out is an indication of rabies, nevertheless it is not. The animal will usually wake at nightfall and depart its den. Additionally, it would return to its den someday after daybreak. Subsequently, it’s doable to see a wholesome skunk in daylight.
4. Strolling With Its Head Down
Skunks lack visible acuity and depth notion. Basically, if an object, animate or inanimate, is greater than three meters away from the critter, it can’t make it out.
The animal’s sense of scent, nonetheless, is impeccable. As a result of skunks depend on scent, it isn’t uncommon to see the animal strolling with its head down.
Folks trying to find how you can do away with skunks might imagine sneaking up on the animal is a good suggestion since they’ve poor eyesight. Sadly, the plan will backfire. Skunks have poor eyesight, however that solely means they startle simply. Sneaking up on a skunk is a superb strategy to get bit, scratched, or sprayed. Go away the elimination to the professionals.
5. Sleeping Longer within the Winter
Skunks are identified to hunker down within the snow and chilly, however that doesn’t imply they hibernate. The animal is aware of the winter is harsher, so it might eat extra within the fall and sleep just a little longer when it snows closely, however it’s nonetheless lively within the winter. In truth, late winter is mating season for skunks. Like individuals, skunks have a tendency to remain dwelling, of their dens, when the climate is particularly chilly or harsh.
Skunks are fascinating creatures. Whereas they do possess one of the vital pungent defenses within the animal kingdom, spraying just isn’t the animal’s solely figuring out attribute.
Nonetheless, you don’t want a skunk taking over residence in your property. The animal presents a threat to your pets and land. In case you suspect you have got a skunk or skunk household close to your own home, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Management and schedule a property go to.