If you have ever had the experience of breathing in the overwhelming scent of skunk you probably do not have fond memories of the experience. Skunk smell is one of the most potent smells out there. For most of us we only smell skunks occasionally but for those unfortunate homeowners that have skunks on their property you may be breathing in that pungent aroma more regularly than you would like to. Other than their unpleasant scent what do we really know about skunks though?

Types of Skunks in Texas

There are four different species of skunks that are found in North America. The striped skunk is the most common. There is also the Eastern spotted skunk, hooded skunk, and the hog-nosed skunk. Skunks can also be found in South America.

What Do Skunks Look Like?

Skunks are best identified by their black and white fur. Different species of skunk vary from the black and white that we typically think of when we envision a skunk. They can be brown, cream, or ginger colored as well. On average skunks are between 16-37 inches long from head to tail. They can range in weight from 1 pound all the way up to 18 pounds. Their bodies are elongated with relatively short, well-muscled legs. Their forefeet are very strong. Skunks use their strong forefeet and long claws for digging. The average lifespan of a skunk is two to four years.

Where Do Skunks Live?

Skunks can live in a variety of environments. As long as they have food and shelter they are good to go. Skunks build dens to live in. They frequently make their dens in tree hollows, hollowed out logs, brush piles, abandoned animal burrows, and underneath porches and other structures. They will dig a burrow underground if there are no other options available but this does not happen very often. Skunks will typically only travel within a two mile radius from their den. Because of this, they will build their dens within two miles of a water source.

What Do Skunks Eat?

Skunks maintain a diet of both plant and animal matter. Their favorite foods are beetles, grasshoppers, grubs, worms, bird eggs, small rodents, frogs, fruit, berries, and mushrooms. Skunks will change up their diet with the seasons to eat what is currently available for easy consumption.

Skunk Spray

When skunks feel threatened they will release that terrible smell that many of us are unfortunately familiar with. Skunks attack when they are cornered or when they are defending their young. They will spray animals and humans alike if they feel like they are being attacked. They will try growling, spitting, fluffing their fur, shaking their tails, and stamping the ground first before spraying their odor. If that does not work they will lift their tail and spray their attackers with their potent odor.

Skunk Wildlife Pest Inspections, Control & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas

If you have skunks on your property you will want to try and get rid of them as quickly as possible. In the Midwest they are the primary carriers of rabies. Rabies can be fatal to humans and pets if it is not treated immediately. Not all skunks have rabies. There are signs you can watch for to see if you think they have rabies. You can watch for extremely aggressive behavior, drooling, or foaming at the mouth. Call A Five Star Termite and Pest Control today if you have skunks on your property that you need help removing. We would be happy to come out and help you before anyone in your family is hurt or sprayed.