Skunk Mating Season
February typically sees an increase in calls for skunk removal. Why?
Skunk removal calls increase because February is the time of year when skunk mating season begins.
It is pretty uncommon to run across or smell skunks in December and January. But now that it’s mid-February, the odds of you smelling a skunk in an Akron / Canton / Kent area neighborhood or along the roadway dramatically increases.
During February in Northeast Ohio:
- Skunks begin to leave their dens much more frequently
- The male skunks’ first order of business through February and into March is mating
- The male skunks’ increase their ranges dramatically looking for mates. They are on the move! This dramatically increase the instances of car versus skunk and pet versus skunk, prompting more notice.
- Skunks spray when around each other this time of year. Females who are not yet ready to breed let the males know they are uninterested with a squirt. Male skunks spritz other males in territorial/mate scuffles.
- It seems there is general excitement in the normally sedate skunk world and they seem more willing to let it fly.
Help with Problem Skunks in Canton, Kent & Akron
Skunks are fascinating, shy, and generally unseen animals. But, because of their unique defense mechanism, they freak a lot of people out and conjure negative images. For example, nobody wants to get “skunked” when fishing or drink “skunky” beer. If it weren’t for the smell…
Skunk smell is an attention grabber and now is the time of year when many people’s attention is being grabbed.
We usually post a skunk blog about this time every year. And, you’ll often find news outlets running stories about skunks this time of year as well. In fact, our local newspaper the Akron Beacon Journal printed great article by Craig Webb this morning on the family dog’s encounter with a skunk on Valentine’s Day. It’s a great read and typical of stories our clients relate to us.
If you, your car, or your pet is unfortunate enough to have a direct encounter with the business end of a skunk, check out our post on removing the odor of skunk here.
Most of the time skunks are just passing through. But, if you are fairly certain you have skunks residing on your property and would like some help in the Akron, Canton, Kent Ohio area, please contact us.
Other resource that are of interest:
