Skunk FAQ Do skunks spray people and pets? Yes. Skunks use their spray as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened. Before spraying, they often give warning signs such as stomping their feet, raising their tail, or turning their back toward the threat. Why do I have skunks on my property? Skunks are attracted to easy food sources and shelter. Common attractions include: Pet food left outside Bird seed spilled from feeders Garbage cans Compost piles Grubs and insects in lawns Spaces beneath sheds, decks, porches, and crawl spaces How can I tell if a skunk is living under my shed or deck? Signs of skunk activity may include: A strong musky odor Small, shallow holes dug in your lawn Tracks around the property A burrow entrance beneath a structure Sightings at dusk or nighttime Are skunks dangerous? Skunks are generally shy and prefer to avoid people. However, they can carry rabies and other diseases. They may also spray pets and can become defensive if cornered. What should I do if my dog gets sprayed by a skunk? Keep your dog outside if possible and avoid bringing the odor into your home. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap can help neutralize the smell. If the spray gets into your dog’s eyes, contact your veterinarian. Do skunks hibernate? Not exactly. Skunks become less active during cold weather and may spend long periods in their dens, but they do not enter true hibernation. Can skunks climb fences? Skunks are not strong climbers like squirrels or raccoons, but they can climb low obstacles and squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Why is my lawn covered with small holes? Skunks often dig cone-shaped holes while searching for grubs, beetles, worms, and other insects. These holes are usually only a few inches deep. What time of year do skunks have babies? Skunks typically give birth in the spring, usually between April and June. A mother skunk may raise a litter of 4–8 kits beneath a shed, porch, deck, or other protected area. Will a skunk leave on its own? Sometimes, but not always. If a skunk has established a den site or is raising young, it may remain for weeks or months without professional intervention. Can Wildlife Remedies remove skunks humanely? Yes. Wildlife Remedies uses humane trapping and exclusion techniques to safely resolve skunk conflicts while helping prevent future problems. How can I prevent skunks from returning? We recommend: Securing garbage cans Removing outdoor pet food Cleaning up fallen bird seed Treating lawns for excessive grub populations Installing barriers around sheds, decks, and porches Repairing openings around your home What areas does Wildlife Remedies serve? Wildlife Remedies provides professional skunk removal, trapping, exclusion, and prevention services throughout: Westchester County, NY Fairfield County, CT Escambia County, FL Santa Rosa County, FL How quickly can Wildlife Remedies respond? In many cases, we can provide prompt inspections and service appointments. Call us to discuss your skunk problem and schedule an evaluation. Still smelling trouble? If you have a wildlife conflict, we have the remedy! Wildlife Remedies specializes in identifying the cause of skunk activity, safely removing problem animals, and helping keep them from coming back. Call 914-760-4241 to schedule an inspection.