After extensive care must have been given to the orphaned, injured or sick skunk, as the case may be, it is then prepared for re-entry into the wild. ... Orphaned skunks can also be euthanized if they have been massively malnourished and cannot live on their own without a caregiver.
When can baby skunks fend for themselves?
Something must have happened to the mother of the baby Striped Skunk in the video above and his siblings. At this age, approximately 5 – 6 weeks old , baby skunks should stay mostly in their den, even when mom goes hunting.
Can baby skunks survive without their mother?
It is highly unusual for babies to be out during day time without mother , but if babies come out after dark, then observe the activity for an hour and only go near the animal once it is ensured that mother is not present and baby skunks are wandering on their own.
What do you do if you find a baby skunk?
Put the injured baby skunk in a cardboard box in a dark, quiet place. Put a heat source like a rice sock or warm water bottle in the box with them. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator right away.
How long do baby skunks live with their mother?
If you Find a Baby Skunk
The young remain in the den for about eight weeks . The juvenile skunks are weaned by the time they emerge from the den and are about eight inches long.
How do you get a skunk to leave?
A bright light or a motion sensor flood light will scare skunks away. Most animals, including skunks, dislike the smell of citrus fruits. Place orange or lemon peels around the yard as a natural skunk repellent. Predator urine (dogs, coyotes) can be used to repel a skunk.
Can you raise a baby skunk?
Most states prohibit you from taking an animal from the wild and keeping it as a pet and there are good reasons for this. ... Some people are specially licensed to care for, rehabilitate, and sometimes even house wild skunks for the rest of the skunk's life, but these wild skunks still aren't pets to these people.
Will skunks leave on their own?
The nocturnal habits of skunks, their non-aggressive nature and the beneficial role they play are all good reasons to leave them alone until they have moved on their own accord (which they readily do) or can safely be encouraged to leave an area where they are not wanted.
How long does a skunk live?
Skunks typically live 3 years in the wild, 15 years in captivity . Skunk weights vary wildly, from 2.5 pounds to 15 pounds. The bushy tail can be up to 10 inches long. Skunks won't spray in their own dens.
Are baby skunks blind?
Baby skunks are called kits. Kits are blind when born , since their eyes are sealed shut until around the age of 3 weeks, according to the San Diego Zoo.
Do baby skunks carry rabies?
It's often believed that skunks all carry rabies , but this isn't true. Just like you or any other animal, a skunk has to be infected with rabies by being bitten by rabid animal. Skunks can contract the virus but not show any symptoms for up to 6 months.
How do you get a baby skunk out of a window well?
- 1 – Put a wooden board down the window well, and let it climb out.
- 2 – Remove the skunk using a snare pole.
- 3 – Shoot the animal, and remove it. (show to kill a skunk)
- 4 – Leave it there to starve to death and spray and stink.
What should you not feed a skunk?
- NO leaf or iceberg lettuce.
- NO cat food (dry or canned) Cat food is high in fat and protein and should only be used as a last resort if a skunk won't eat anything else.
- NO sweets.
- NO chocolate.
- NO fatty foods.
- NO fried foods.
- NO lunch meat (salami, bologna, etc.)
- NO hot-dogs.
How do you find a skunk den?
To obtain these treats, skunks dig small, round, cone-shaped holes in your yard or garden . These holes measure around 3 to 5 inches across. Skunk feeding holes look distinctively circular from the surface. Close up, you may notice that they start wide and taper inward as the skunk digs deeper into the ground.
How can you tell if a baby skunk is male or female?
The most conclusive way to determine whether a skunk is male or female is to examine its genitalia . However, this is not advisable. Skunk genitals are only partially exposed, meaning that you would typically need to get close to the skunk to get a good look.
Will a skunk spray in its den?
Skunks can be a nuisance when they burrow through trash, make their dens under porches and sheds, and of course secrete their foul-smelling spray to ward off threats.
