Skunks

Skunks
Skunks generally have one litter in early to mid-May. After a gestation period of 63 days usually five babies are born. Babies will stay with their mother until they are old enough to forage on their own. Skunks are mostly nocturnal and will spend the day in their burrows. At night they forage for food. Skunks will eat grubs, frogs, insects, mice, and baby rats.

Skunks live in burrows and under houses and sheds. Skunks have few natural predators because of the odor of their musk. When confronted a skunk will generally stamp their front feet, growl and spray. They have very bad eyesight and generally will not spray if you move slowly and talk softly.

If sprayed by a skunk mix:

  • 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
  • 1/4 cup of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of liquid dish or laundry soap together
Dip a wash rag in the solution and rub down the smelly areas.

Here are some recipes for skunk repellents:
  • 1 cup castor oil, 1 cup liquid soap, mix these two together and add 1 gallon of water, then spray around the den area.
  • 1 chopped yellow onion, 1 chopped jalapeno pepper, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, boil for 20 minutes in 2 quarts of water, then strain through cheesecloth and apply around the den with a spray bottle.
  • Cayenne pepper can be sprinkled around the den area.
  • Ammonia soaked cloth strips can be placed into holes under homes and sheds to encourage the skunks to leave. Use caution with the ammonia and be prepared for the skunk to leave immediately.
More information can be found on the following websites:

DFW Wildlife Coaltition

Mammals of Texas

Texas Parks and Wildlife

HSUS-Urban Wildlife our Wild Neighbors