Carnivores

Skunks

The Skunks or Mephitidae are a family of cat-sized American mammal of the weasel family, with distinctive black-and-white-striped fur. The Skunk has short, stocky legs and proportionately large feet equipped with well-developed claws that enable it to be very adept at digging. When threatened it squirts a fine spray of foul-smelling irritant liquid from its anal glands toward its attacker. Mephitis and other genera, family Mustelidae: several species, in particular the striped Skunk. Skunks are found throughout both North and South America, being absent only from the far north of Canada. Skunks are best known for their ability to spray a foul-smelling fluid as a defense against predators. 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 hooded Skunk (Mephitis macroura) is identified by hair on the neck that is spread out into a ruff. 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. The hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus leucontus) has a long snout that is hairless for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the top. 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. Skunks become a nuisance when their burrowing and feeding habits conflict with humans. They may burrow under porches or buildings by entering foundation openings. Garbage or refuse left outdoors may be disturbed by Skunks. Skunks may damage beehives by attempting to feed on bees. Occasionally, they feed on corn, eating only the lower ears. If the cornstalk is knocked over, however, Skunks are more likely the cause of damage. Damage to the upper ears of corn is indicative of birds, deer, or squirrels. Skunks dig holes in lawns, golf courses, and gardens to search for insect grubs found in the soil. Digging normally appears as small, 3- to 4-inch (7- to 10-cm) cone-shaped holes or patches of upturned earth. Several other animals, including domestic dogs, also dig in lawns. Skunks occasionally kill poultry and eat eggs. They normally do not climb fences to get to poultry. By contrast, rats, weasels, mink, and Skunks regularly climb fences. Both the hind and forefeet of Skunks have five toes. In some cases, the fifth toe may not be obvious. Claw marks are usually visible, but the heels of the forefeet normally are not. The hindfeet tracks are approximately 2 1/2 inches long (6.3 cm). Skunk droppings can often be identified by the undigested insect parts they contain. Droppings are 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 13 mm) in diameter and 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long. Odor is not always a reliable indicator of the presence or absence of Skunks. Sometimes dogs, cats, or other animals that have been sprayed by Skunks move under houses and make owners mistakenly think Skunks are present. Rabies may be carried by Skunks on occasion. Skunks are the primary carriers of rabies in the Midwest. When rabies outbreaks occur, the ease with which rabid animals can be contacted increases. Therefore, rabid Skunks are prime vectors for the spread of the virus. Avoid overly aggressive Skunks that approach without hesitation. Any Skunk showing abnormal behavior, such as daytime activity, may be rabid and should be treated with caution. Report suspicious behavior to local animal control authorities. Damage Prevention and Control Methods: close cellar and outside basement and crawl space doors; seal and cover all openings including window wells and pits. Poultry yards: install wire mesh fences. Beehives: elevate and install aluminum guards. Skunk Control and Skunk Removal is the only way to Control Skunks and Skunk Breeding. A Skunk Nuisance in the home can upset daily life and Removing Skunks from the home can be even more challanging. Skunk varieties vary greatly in size. Skunk control for large Skunks can be a challenge as well as Skunk Control for small Skunks. Skunk Animal Control or Removal of Skunks may be essential for human health and controlling Skunk Populations is the first step. Click here for more information.

Animal Control is the way to keep Animals from becoming a nuisance. The humane way to go is Animal Care and Control. Animal Removal should be left to the professionals at Critter Control. A Reptile can create a potential risk if they enter a residential territory. Reptiles such as Alligators, Rattlesnakes, other Poisonous Snakes and Non-Poisonous Snakes have been known to find their way into yards and even homes, houses, dwellings, garages, sheds and businesses. A Rodent can cause a big problem when the burrow through foundations or make their way in by way of roofs or siding. Rodents like, Raccoons, Moles, Rats, House Mice and Mouse, Squirrels, Beaver and Skunks all pose health problems when in close contact with humans and people. Pest Control or Rodent Control can eliminate Rodent and Animal hazards that may arise. Bats, Birds and Pigeons will pass through open doors and windows creating a headache for the residents or homeowner. Deer, including Buck, Doe and Fawn, can ruin a garden or kill trees and vegetation. The professionals at Critter Control are Wildlife damage Control experts and your first choice for Wildlife pest Control.

CRITTER CONTROL uses a variety of integrated and ecologically responsible pest management techniques - depending on the circumstances of the problem, the extent of the damage, and public health threats. Call (800) CRITTER for the Critter Control office nearest you. You can also find an office in your area by using our Office Finder.