Skunks are so universally recognized that a description is not need here. Skunks have developed a defense that totally repels everything except cars and some birds of prey, which are apparently not affected by the nauseating smell. Dogs and cats that tangle with skunks generally only do it once. Most people know enough to give skunks a lot of room, but there is danger far worse than being sprayed.

Skunks are one of the largest reservoirs of rabies virus in the United States. Untreated rabies is nearly always fatal in humans, and it cannot be determined by its demeanor whether an animal carries the virus or not. Any and all skunk bites are cause to seek immediate medical attention.

Skunks are very poor climbers, and usually live in holes in the ground. They eat a wide variety of food but in the warmer weather their diet consists mostly of insects. They find earthworms and beetle grubs irresistible, sometime peppering lawns with two of three inches deep conical pits where they have sniffed out and devoured June beetle grubs.

Problem skunks are easily caught in live traps with fish or cat food for bait, and if approached carefully and handled gently they do not spray during transport.

Did you know? That no two skunks have the same pattern and that even though baby skunks are born hairless, the black and white pattern they will have is clearly visible on their naked skin?