De-skunked: 5 Common Skunk Myths

Throughout history, skunks have been commonly recognized as "pests" or "nuisance animals". These titles come largely from unfounded fear-based perceptions passed down from generation to generation. There are many myths about these misunderstood mammals that make the rounds online each year, particularly during the spring as this is when we tend to see more skunk activity during the day as busy moms teach their young how to be skunks. Unfortunately, when these myths are believed to be true, the result can be a fatal one for the sweet, shy skunk. It's time to help our striped, insect-eating friends, and "de-skunk" some of the most common skunk myths. 

Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) family 

Myth #1: Skunks carry rabies.

The statement itself is not entirely untrue. Skunks are a rabies vector species, meaning that they are one of the main hosts and transmitters of the rabies virus. So, where's the myth in the statement? Many believe that just because skunks can carry rabies, then they must all carry rabies. This is simply not true, and creates an unhealthy fear of skunks. That fear creates an unfounded view of skunks as being rabid, vicious predators that cannot safely co-exist with humans. Ontario's skunk population is in the thousands, and in 2019 only 13 individuals were confirmed to have the rabies virus. This is in part due to Ontario's rabies management practices which include dropping edible vaccines for rabies vector species which creates an immunity to the virus in the animal that consumes the vaccine. While it is always best to be cautious and maintain distance from any wildlife, it is not always necessary to remove a skunk simply because it's on your property or near your home. Click here to learn more about the signs of a rabid animal and what you should do if you suspect an animal is ill.

Myth #2: Skunks outside during the day have rabies.

I have often heard it said that an animal who is typically nocturnal (such as a skunk or raccoon) found wandering around outside in daylight must have rabies or another illness. While skunks are nocturnal by nature, this doesn't mean that they solely venture from their den at night, and does not mean that the animal is ill or dangerous. Skunks prefer to forage under the cover of darkness, but will head out during the day if they are caring for young and need extra nourishment or water, or if a predator is preventing them from leaving their den at night. Of course, there is the odd chance that a skunk seen out during the day is ill. If this is the case it may appear lethargic or weak, and may be balding due to mange or other skin issues. If you suspect that you have found a sick or injured animal, it is always best to contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centre for guidance. 

Myth #3: Skunks are vicious.

There is no animal on Earth that is inherently vicious (other than humans, maybe.. and Canada Geese). But like all animals, skunks will defend themselves when necessary. We all know that skunks use their pungent spray as a defense strategy, but this is typically a last resort. Skunks are shy animals with very poor eyesight and can be startled quite easily if approached, but they do not want to spray and first use a series of warnings to ward off their attacker. Their first reaction when startled or threatened is to growl or hiss and flee the area if possible. If an easy getaway is not achievable, they will give a warning by stomping their feet as if they are dancing - while this is absolutely adorable to witness, it also means they mean business and it's time for you to back away. Finally, before spraying, they will back up and lift their tail as a threat to spray. If you still haven't learned by that point then you will get a blast of that putrid spray, which quite frankly after all of that, you probably deserve. The reason skunks avoid using their best defense mechanism first is because the spray is not an unlimited resource, but rather a concoction of foul-smelling sulfur-based chemicals that take time to accumulate in their anal glands. After spraying it can take up to 10 days to "recharge" leaving them extremely vulnerable to predators.

Young Striped Skunks exploring outside of their den.

Myth #4: Baby skunks can't spray.

Striped Skunks are born with their eyes closed, nearly naked, and completely dependent on their mother. Though they remain reliant on their mom for weeks after birth, baby skunks are still able to produce and emit spray. Spraying takes some time to perfect and is not always intentional in the beginning. Through trial and error, as they age baby skunks learn how to properly aim at their intended target and forcefully release their pungent spray. Typically this takes about 3 months which falls right around the time the babies can be seen wandering outside of the den away from their mom. Though it may be tempting to pick up and squeeze the little striped furballs, it would be in your best interest to take a photo and walk away slowly. 

Myth #5: Skunks kill pets. 

Striped Skunks are omnivorous and opportunistic when it comes to their diet. In the wild, they regularly feed on a variety of insects including beetles, earthworms, and grubs, as well as frogs, eggs, berries, nuts, fungi, and the occasional bird or rodent if they find a slow or injured one. But cats and dogs are not on their menu. Striped Skunks reach a maximum length of 30" from snout to tail, weighing only 4-9lbs full-grown. Their relatively small stature and slow movements do not make skunks well-qualified hunters, especially when the animal being hunted is several times larger than the skunk. Free-roaming cats & dogs are much more likely to harm a skunk than vice versa. It is always safer and more beneficial to both our wildlife and our pets to practice responsible pet ownership by keeping dogs on lead and supervised, and by not allowing cats to roam freely outdoors.

Skunks are one of the few species that seem to have adapted well to human presence and thrive in urban and suburban environments - despite many humans' best efforts to remove them altogether. As we continue to encroach on and destroy wild spaces, it is our responsibility to learn how to peacefully co-exist with skunks and all wildlife. Perhaps we could take it a step further by re-wildling our yards as much as possible to help our struggling flora and fauna species, and create new habitat to replace what we've taken away. No matter how you view these monochromatic cuties, co-existence is key for their preservation and our own.

Happy trails!
- Shayna Hartley