Instagram
A A A

Skunks

ABOUT SKUNKS

  • Skunks feed heavily on insects and rodents such as mice.
  • Though not usually social, skunks will den with other skunks in order to share body warmth.
  • Normally skunks are not aggressive and will let you know that they feel threatened by:
    • stamping their front feet
    • growling
    • raising their tails
    • hissing


Respond to this threat by quietly and slowly backing away and making no sudden or aggressive movements as you do.

DID YOU KNOW? Skunks do not truly hibernate but will become inactive in the coldest months of winter.

How skunks can be a nuisance to people

  • Skunk spray can cause watering eyes, nasal irritation and nausea. Skunk spray has been known to temporarily blind people for up to 15 minutes.
    • The lingering odours that skunk spray can leave on clothes will eventually fade if you wash them and air them out.
    • Call your nearest veterinarian for advice on ridding your pet of skunk smell.

Skunks and rabies

  • Skunks can carry rabies, although very few rabid skunks are reported in Saskatchewan.
    • Any skunk that is active in the daytime, unusually aggressive or approaches people and other animals without fear should be avoided.
    • In the later stages of rabies infections, skunks may wander, be listless and docile, and have head or body tremors.
    • If you see such behaviour in a skunk, bring children and pets indoors, and then notify the nearest Conservation office

  • Keep your pet's rabies vaccinations up to date, and do not allow pets to roam.

What you can do about skunks on your property

  • To prevent skunks from visiting your property, you must remove the food or shelter the animals are seeking.
  • Removing shelter:
    • Clear out brush piles, stacked lumber and debris piles that skunks can use as cover.
    • Look around your property for spaces underneath sheds, porches, decks and crawlspaces. These spaces should be closed off with a ½ inch hardware cloth. Make sure there are no skunks inside when you close off the space.
    • Skunks that have already taken up residence under a building or other location on your property can be deterred by putting mothballs in these spaces. Skunks are repulsed by the smell of mothballs.
  • Removing food:
    • Store your garbage and recycling in containers that have tight-fitting lids. Replace garbage cans that are in poor repair.
    • Feed your pets indoors.
    • Honey producers can stop skunks from raiding beehives by installing and maintaining an electric fence perimeter around the apiary. Also place beehives on stands 1 metre (3 feet) off the ground.
  • Skunks are not good climbers and, if they fall into window wells or other holes on your property, may need assistance in getting out. To do this, lay a 2 x 6 or other wide plank into the window well or hole and wait for the skunk to climb out.
  • If a skunk has found its way into your house or garage, leave the door open and allow the skunk to depart on its own time. Do not prod or agitate the skunk.
  • If the above measures are unsuccessful, you can contact the City of Meadow Lake Bylaw Enforcement Department, 306-236-0213, to arrange for a skunk trap permit application form or fill out the online form here: SKUNK TRAP PERMIT