Do Baby Skunks Spray?
When you think of skunks, the first thing that likely comes to mind is their notorious spray. This powerful defense mechanism is infamous for its strong, unpleasant odor that can linger for days or even weeks. But what about baby skunks? Do they spray too? The short answer is yes, they do. However, there are some important nuances to understand about baby skunks and their spraying behavior.
At Frontline Animal Removal, serving the Canton, Akron, and Kent areas of Ohio, we’ve encountered our fair share of skunks, both adults and juveniles. Our experiences in Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties have given us valuable insights into these creatures and their defensive behaviors.
Watch the video associated with this post as Ryan discusses the topic as well.
The Potency of Baby Skunk Spray
While baby skunks can spray, their spray isn’t as potent as that of an adult skunk. This means that although it can still be unpleasant, it’s not as overwhelming or long-lasting. The reason for this lies in their development; the glands responsible for producing the foul-smelling chemical are not fully mature, so the spray is less concentrated.
The Aim of Baby Skunks
Another key difference between adult and baby skunks is their ability to aim their spray. Adult skunks are quite precise, able to direct their spray with remarkable accuracy up to 10 feet away. Baby skunks, on the other hand, are not as skilled. Their aim is less accurate, which can sometimes result in more of a scattered spray pattern. However, this lack of precision doesn’t make them any less of a nuisance; in fact, it can sometimes make them more unpredictable.
The Likelihood of Spraying
Interestingly, baby skunks are more prone to spraying compared to their adult counterparts. Adult skunks generally reserve their spray for truly threatening situations. They often give warning signs first, such as stamping their feet or raising their tails. Baby skunks, however, are more liberal with their use of spray. They may spray at the slightest provocation, as they have not yet learned to gauge threats accurately. This makes them more unpredictable and, in some cases, more challenging to handle.
Challenges in Removing Baby Skunks
Given their propensity to spray and their unpredictable nature, removing baby skunks can be quite challenging. At Frontline Animal Removal, we’ve developed specific techniques to safely these young animals. The goal is always to not have the animals spray. Often with young ones, the spray is already done by the time we arrive.
In a recent video, Ryan showcases a few baby skunks he has trapped and explains some of these challenges in more detail.
Preventing Skunk Infestations
The best way to deal with skunks, of course, is to prevent them from taking up residence on your property in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you avoid skunk problems:
Secure Your Garbage: Skunks are often attracted to easy food sources, so make sure your trash cans are tightly sealed.
Remove Shelter Opportunities: Skunks like to burrow under porches, decks, and sheds. Seal off these areas to prevent them from making a home there.
Eliminate Food Sources: Avoid leaving pet food outside and clean up any fallen fruit from trees in your yard.
Contact Frontline Animal Removal
If you do find yourself dealing with a skunk problem, whether it’s adult skunks or a family of babies, don’t hesitate to contact us at Frontline Animal Removal. We have the experience and expertise to handle these situations safely and effectively. Serving the Canton, Akron, and Kent areas, we are dedicated to providing top-notch wildlife removal and repair services to residents in Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties.
Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your nuisance wildlife issues. And don’t forget to check out Ryan’s video to see firsthand how we manage the delicate task of removing baby skunks.
Stay safe, and let us help you keep your home skunk-free!
