![]() Some of the most common conflicts with skunks aren’t problems for us at all. Photo by Nicki Brockamp How to be a good neighbour to skunks Similarly, there are no skunks on Haida Gwaii, the Gulf Islands, or other coastal islands. This is your signal to back off before they lower and spray.ĭid you know that there are no skunks on Vancouver Island? The isolated nature of the Island means many species haven’t crossed over – including coyotes, porcupines, mountain goats and moose. Spotted skunks will display a curious behaviour of doing handstands as a form of intimidation. Spotted skunks are smaller than striped skunks, and have a unique black and white pattern of both spots and stripes. Less familiar is the western spotted skunk, present only in the most southwestern parts of B.C. The striped skunk is common across most of North America, from southern Canada all the way down to Mexico. Spotted skunk Skunks, skunks, everywhere…?ĭid you know that there are actually two species of skunk in B.C.? Most people are familiar with the striped skunk, with the classic black body with two bold, white stripes running down their back and tail. Rinse with water and repeat if necessary. 5 mL (1 tsp) liquid laundry or dish soapĬlean the affected areas with this solution.If you, your dog or other pets have been sprayed by a skunk, combine: Don’t let kids or pets chase or harass skunks, or they’ll face the stinky consequences! If you encounter a skunk, leash up or pick up any pets with you, and back away slowly and quietly. A nervous skunk may give you warning signs like growling, hissing or stamping their front feet – all this to say “STAY BACK”. Their main defence is to spray, which they use only as a last resort or when startled, cornered or attacked. They are limited by their slow speed and prefer to stay hidden instead of running away or attacking. Photo by Liron Gertsman Close encounters of the smelly kindĪlthough skunks have all the equipment to bite and scratch, they rarely do. They use their teeth and claws for their omnivorous diet of insects, rodents, and sometimes fruits and nuts. Skunks have large feet and claws designed for digging up bugs, and the typical sharp teeth of a carnivore. They are generally slow-moving animals and prefer to stay quietly away from people. Skunks are nocturnal animals with poor eyesight and limited climbing skills. How much do you know about your neighbours? Slow speed ahead ![]() Just thinking about skunks can bring up “scent”-imental feelings for some people, and we often forget to appreciate skunks as shy and gentle neighbours. ![]()
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