(WWJ) "Love is in the air… and it stinks," says the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
It is indeed mating season for skunks in our state, and with the increased skunk activity comes an increased chance that you or your pet will get sprayed.
After a still winter, the DNR says skunks are up and moving around, looking for food and mates during the early spring breeding season.
To prevent any smelly encounters with a skunk, the DNR says Michiganders should consider check their yards before letting dogs out at night. Make sure there are no skunks nearby that could potentially spray your pets.
To make your home and property less hospitable to skunks, consider the following tips from the DNR:
• Remove wood piles and bird feeders that spill seeds on the ground.
• Install barriers under porches to prevent access to the sheltered space.
• Ensure that garbage is securely tucked in an animal-proof container.
• Bring pet foods inside.
• Skunks will sometimes climb into window wells and find themselves unable to climb out. Place a rough board into the well and allow the skunk to climb out of the well.
• If a skunk is denning under your porch, place lattice up from the ground to the deck to keep the skunk out. Try placing an ammonia-soaked towel into the den opening, as the unpleasant smell will draw the skunks out.
Remember: Skunks can transmit rabies to pets and to people. If you suspect a person has been bitten by a skunk or has had direct exposure, contact your local health department. If you suspect a pet has been bitten by a skunk, contact your veterinarian.
Learn more about how to handle issues with skunks and other nuisance wildlife at Michigan.gov/Wildlife under the Nuisance wildlife section.
