The Western Skunk

The Definitive Guide to Skunk Control and Where to Find a
Wildlife Control Professional!

Are you frustrated and tired of dealing with the Damage caused by WILDLIFE. This site deals with WILDLIFE DAMAGE and steps the "Do it yourselfer" can take to protecting your property from the damage caused by Wildlife in your area.

Don't want to do it yourself? No Problem, we have Wildlife Professionals to help you solve all your wildlife control needs.

Identification

The skunk, a member of the weasel family, is represented by four species in North America. The skunk has short, stocky legs and proportionately large feet equipped with well-developed claws that enable it to be very adept at digging.

The Western Striped Skunk

The striped skunk is characterized by prominent, lateral white stripes that run down its back. Its fur is otherwise jet black. Striped skunks are the most abundant of the four species. The body of the striped skunk is about the size of an ordinary house cat (up to 29 inches long) and weighing about 8 pounds.

The Western Spotted Skunk (Silogale gracilis)

The spotted skunk is smaller (up to 21 inches long) and weighing about 2.2 pounds, more weasel-like, and is readily distinguishable by white spots and short, broken white stripes in a dense jet-black coat.

Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius)

The Eastern Spotted skunk looks very much like its Western cousin. They are relatively small skunks and are normally quite rare. Most states protect them to ensure their numbers remain viable. If this skunk is captured, it normally requires being released on site or taken to a relocation site.

Hooded Skunk (Mephitis macroura)

The hooded skunk (Mephitis macroura) is identified by hair on the neck that is spread out into a ruff. It is 28 inches long and weighs the same as the striped skunk. It has an extremely long tail, as long as the head and body combined. The back and tail may be all white, or nearly all black, with two white side stripes.

Hog Nosed Skunk (Conepatus mesoleucus)

The hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus leucontus) has a long snout that is hairless for about 1 inch at the top. It is 26 inches long and weighs 4 pounds. Its entire back and tail are white and the lower sides and belly are black. Skunks have the ability to discharge nauseating musk from the anal glands and are capable of several discharges, not just one.

Range

The striped skunk is common throughout the United States and Canada.

Spotted skunks are uncommon in some areas, but distributed throughout most of the United States and northern Mexico.

The hooded skunk and the hog-nosed skunk are much less common than striped and spotted skunks. Hooded skunks are limited to southwestern New Mexico and western Texas.

The hog-nosed skunk is found in southern Colorado, central and southern New Mexico, the southern half of Texas, and northern Mexico.

Damage Caused by Skunks

Skunks damage property by undermining decks and porches. They also spray their essence under porches, on siding and pets and spread fleas. Skunks can damage insulation, leave feces in crawlspaces, between floors and under decks and porches.

Common digging under concrete slab

Skunks will damage turf by making 3-4 inch cone shaped holes in the lawn. They will kill poultry and consume the eggs. Corn and other vegetables will be eaten in gardens. Bee hives can also be damaged.

Turf damage in the lawn, also called Grubbing

Skunks can also be carriers of rabies and distemper which can be transmitted to domestic pets and humans.

Each year we remove many skunks that have fallen into window wells, dug under porches and patios and have even moved into an attic! Skunks are good climbers but normally stay at ground level.

Control Methods

Striped skunk control and removal is not something a novice should attempt. Skunks can transmit the rabies virus through their spray and by being bitten by them. In most states skunks cannot be relocated because of the threat of transferring the rabies virus to another area. If you have caught a skunk inadvertently while trapping for another animal, hire a professional to remove it and prevent being sprayed.

If a skunk has fallen into a window well, a professional has the correct tools and knowledge to control this situation. Skunks cannot dig out of a window well and must be removed quickly to prevent them from dying and decaying in the well. Window well covers should be installed to prevent this situation. Skunk removal from a window well is best left to the professional.

Fleas and other ectoparasites such as mites must be treated for if present after the skunks are removed.

The most common method of prevention of further skunk infestations is through subterranean fencing. Skunks are notorious for digging and must be prevented from burrowing under porches and decks.