(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Wildlife experts say you and your pets have a greater chance of a skunk encounter over the next few weeks during skunk mating season.
The Will County Forest Preserve District says male skunks are looking for female skunks. Mating season starts in February and runs through March, according to Cindy Cain, agency spokesperson.
“If you’re out during skunk season and you’re walking your dog, maybe keep it on a shorter leash, turn on your backyard light before you let your dog out so that the skunks can wander away,” she said.
Cain offers one more bit of advice.
“Just give them wide berth. Let them have love. Love is in the air for them and let them mate and create the next generation of skunks.”
Cain says skunks are beneficial to the environment. They eat all kinds of bugs and mice and even dead animals.
And yes, you’re probably going to be smelling a little bit more of their defensive spray, which is a mixture of sulfur and hydrogen.
If you or your pet should wind up sprayed by a skunk, try this solution: Combine one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, one quarter cup of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap.
Do not add water.
The skunk baby boom comes sometime in May and early June.
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