Skunks are little black and white mammals with an incredible trick up their sleeves. If you get too close, you might get sprayed! Skunks are fascinating creatures that cause those terrible odours in Canadian suburbs. A single spray can be smelt over 2km away. Thankfully, skunks are solitary creatures, so we do not come across them very often. They do however make excellent mothers, raising as many as 7 kits per year. If there are skunks in your neighbourhood and you need help, call Skunk Control.
Skunks are indigenous to the Americas. The word “skunk” originates from the Algonquian word seganku, which stems from “to urinate” and “fox” in the Proto-Algonquian language. These animals are famous for their spray, which they use as a defensive weapon. It is so powerful that it wards off the majority of predators, even bears. This gives skunks the freedom to roam around and feed on a variety of foods including insects, earthworms, lizards, snakes, plants, rodents, eggs, and fungi. Skunks are crepuscular, so they are most active during twilight. During the day, they are usually sleeping in their dens.
So, how many babies does a skunk have?
Skunk breeding season occurs in late winter when temperatures rise. Females are pregnant for up to 66 days, giving birth between April and June. It is at this time of year that females will dig under decks, sheds, and other structures to build dens. A single litter consists of 2 to 7 babies, also known as kits. They are blind and immobile at birth. At 8 weeks, baby skunks begin to venture out with mothers and eat solid foods. Skunks live up to 4 years of age, so a female can have as many as 28 kits in her lifetime.
What to do if there are skunks on your property
If there are skunks on your property, keep your distance. A mother skunk will spray you if you get too close to her kits. The best thing you can do is wait until the kits have grown old enough to leave the den on their own. Wait until midsummer, then use deterrents to evict the animals from their den. Place a radio near the den during the daytime and put a bright light in its entrance. Because skunks prefer quiet, dark spaces, they will want to leave and find another den elsewhere. Once out, secure a mesh along the perimeter of your deck and shed, one foot deep into the ground.
Hire a professional skunk remover
If there are skunks on your property and you want them gone, the best thing you can do is hire a professional. They have the skills and experience to remove the animals safely and humanely. The technicians at Skunk Control have a deep understanding of skunk behaviour and only use humane methods of removal so that no one gets hurt. Call us today and a technician will arrive soon for an inspection and solution that works for you.