Skunks are mammals that can be found in almost every state of the U.S. They are widely known for their ability to spray a liquid that has a strong scent from their glands. Skunks use this technique to repel potential predators in the area.
While the spray from a skunk is not dangerous to humans, it does not smell pleasant. Having skunks spraying around your yard can be an extreme nuisance. If you haven’t noticed a smell but have seen small footprints around your yard, you might be wondering whether a skunk is the culprit.
Skunk tracks look like miniature bear prints. They have long claws that look like dots above their toeprints. If you notice skunk prints in your yard, you might be looking for ways to get rid of them. Instead of attempting to solve your skunk problem on your own, you should contact a professional wildlife removal company like Nuisance Wildlife Rangers.
Identifying Skunk Tracks
If you have seen tiny paw prints in your yard, they could be coming from a skunk. Like other animals such as raccoons or opossums, skunks walk with their feet flat on the ground. In the right circumstances, this will create a distinct track that is easy to identify.
Skunk tracks look like mini bear prints. Their front feet have long claws that create dot impressions above their toes. On their front paws, they often have a smaller additional pad that makes a single dot behind their heel pad.
On the other hand, their back feet have enlarged heels that make their prints look long and rectangular.
What Should You Do if You Encounter a Skunk?
More often than not, you will smell a skunk before you come face-to-face with one. That being said, you should know what to do in case you encounter a skunk unexpectedly.
Skunks are usually easygoing, which means they will not attack a human unprovoked. However, if a skunk feels like their food or babies are threatened, they could become defensive. For this reason, you should never encounter a skunk on your own.
If you encounter a skunk, you should not approach it. Instead, keep going about your day as if they are not there. If the skunk feels threatened, there will be warning signs to be aware of.
When a skunk stamps their front feet, hisses, or forward charges, they are getting ready to defend themselves. Shortly after these actions, it is likely that they will spray their foul-smelling liquid at you.
If a skunk is giving you warning signs, slowly back away. Make sure you are staying quiet and calm while you are leaving the area. If you have a dog, make sure you are preventing them from lunging at the skunk, as this will cause them to spray.
How Do You Get Rid of Skunks?
Signs that skunks have taken up residence on your property include faint odors in woodpiles or crawlspaces, small and shallow holes in the lawn, or torn-up gardens.
If you believe there are skunks on your property, you are probably wondering how to get rid of them. The best way to eliminate a skunk problem is by contacting a professional wildlife removal company. Because skunks can easily feel threatened, removing them without getting sprayed involves some expertise.
When you call a company like Nuisance Wildlife Rangers, you can rest assured that the skunks will be removed and relocated humanely and ethically. No harm will come to you or the skunk. While they can be a nuisance, they are important to the environment, which means we will not harm them in the process of removing them from your property.
Instead, we use live traps to capture the skunk. Once they are captured, we bring them to their natural environment away from your home. If any of the skunks are injured or sick, we might relocate them to a wildlife rehab center.
Preventing Skunks From Coming Into Your Yard
If you do not have a skunk problem and are looking to be proactive in preventing it, there are a few tips and tricks to consider.
To prevent skunks from coming into your yard, consider the following:
- Install underground fencing around porches, decks, sheds, and gardens
- Eliminate food sources like outdoor dog food, unsealed garbage cans, and bird food
- Keep your yard clean, avoiding piles of wood that skunks can nest in
- Use motion-sensor lights to deter skunks from your property
- Avoid ammonia or moth balls, as they can injure or kill the skunks
While skunks can be a nuisance, they are helpful in many ways. They like to eat some of the critters which can be detrimental to home gardens. Even so, if you do not want them in your yard, the above-mentioned tips can help to prevent them from being attracted to your property.
Get Connected to a Highly-Rated Skunk Removal Company
If you or a loved one has a skunk problem, Nuisance Wildlife Rangers is here to help. We have years of experience in the wildlife control industry, making us the ideal choice for any type of animal issue you are dealing with.
Contact us today to learn more about our skunk removal services.