Skunks are truly interesting creatures. They have an impressive black and white appearance. They also have one of the most famous and unique defense mechanisms in the animal kingdom: their foul-smelling spray. However, they are also quite fascinating for less well-known reasons. For example, they are quite capable of defeating fences.

Skunk Acrobatic Skills

Unlike a lot of similar mammals, skunks are not particularly good climbers. They can climb over fences and other basic obstacles in certain circumstances. However, unlike raccoons, for example, they won’t be scaling your defenses with ease.

Instead, skunks tend to burrow underneath things. They like to find divots, holes, and hollow logs that they can dig out to make homes and comfortable passageways. So, your main concern with skunks should be their digging ability. If you are dealing with them, you will need some special strategies to keep them out. This digging also plays a big role in skunk mating habits. They use their powerful claws to help make dens for their young.

However, skunks also possess surprisingly good jumping skills. They are not going to set any world records by any means. Nonetheless, despite their earthbound status, they can hop reasonably well. They won’t be jumping over a normal fence any time soon, but they can hop from one resting place to another. Generally, skunks can jump about three feet using their powerful hind legs.

What This Means for Skunk Prevention

The good news is that if you have a fence, it is unlikely that skunks will be going over the top. However, they may be able to hop to the top of the fence if there is a good launching point.

Unfortunately, the story doesn’t stop there. Due to their digging abilities, skunks tend to prefer to go under fences. Thus, if you want to keep them out, you will likely need to bury a metal fence or other obstacles several feet underground.

In many cases, it is better to try to avoid attracting skunks than it is to try to keep them out (they are persistent). Make sure all trash cans are covered and thoroughly sealed. Consider locking them inside an enclosure as well. Plus, you should avoid leaving out any food, including pet food.

Removing Skunks From Your Property

If you want to remove skunks from your property, you will first need to remove anything that may be attracting them. Otherwise, they may likely come back. For example, if a mother skunk has a baby skunk in Madison, good luck getting either of them to leave your property. They will keep coming back to the den. Thus, we recommend dealing with the issue before or after baby season.

The Importance of Professional Help

Skunks are famous for their odorous defenses. However, this isn’t the only risk for handling skunks. They can also carry various diseases. Most significantly, they can carry rabies. There are also several other parasites and other pathogens that you don’t want to be in contact with.

Get professional help when trying to remove skunks. Not only will they have the right equipment and techniques to keep everyone safe, but they will also achieve better results than if you try to DIY the solution. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, our three-step process helps to ensure safe and lasting results.

Get Skunk Removal Services in the Madison Area

Skunks are very good at going over or under obstacles. So, if you think they may be getting on your property, it is time to call in the professionals. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control uses a humane process for removal that is not only kinder to the animals but also achieves better results than traditional methods. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment.