Skunks are best known for their odorous defense mechanism. They are also one of the easiest animals in North America to identify thanks to their unique coats. There are actually multiple types of skunks, but the black and white striped ones are most common. These mid-size mammals can be frustrating to homeowners at times. Understanding their behavior can help you better protect your property. It is also central to our skunk removal services in Madison.

Understanding Skunk Behavior

Typically, skunks live alone. They are not pack-animals like wolves or lions, although this is common for animals around the size of skunks. They tend to fare better when they only have to find enough food for one.

However, they are not necessarily solitary either. Like all mammals, skunks come together when it is time to reproduce. The behavioral differences during mating season can be marked. Males begin trying to attract females. Once a female is pregnant, she creates a den to raise her young.

Typically, males are more likely to live alone once they have reached adolescence or older. Females may also find their own dens, but they are a little more open to living in the same area as other female skunks.

Winter Is Coming (Time To Find Dens)

It is hard to believe that the summer is already coming to a close. As the winter months and colder weather approach, skunks are starting to think about how they can stay warm and dry. This means finding their own dens to hunker down in.

During the winter, skunks enter a state known as torpor. This is similar to hibernation in that the skunks lower their body temperatures and enter a period of inactivity, however, they do not enter full hibernation, and will forage for food as necessary throughout the winter as the temperature wavers.

Getting rid of skunks once they have found their dens and settled in for the winter can be challenging, so protect your home or business before this becomes an issue. If you believe that a skunk is setting up a den, it is a good idea to get professional skunk removal help now.

Protecting Your Property From Skunks

Like most animals, skunks have two main goals in life: staying alive and reproducing. They look for places where they can find warm dens and plentiful food. Defending your home against them requires eliminating reasons why a skunk would want to set up shop in the area.

The first step is getting rid of trash cans or carefully securing them to prevent skunks from getting in. All receptacles should have wildlife-resistant lids and contain sealed plastic bags. Also, be careful to avoid letting vegetables, fruits or nuts pile up in your garden.

Skunks like to dig burrows in areas where the entrance will be concealed. They often go under bushes, porches or other concealed areas. You can trim back your bushes and hedges to discourage this. There are defensive products that can keep them out of your crawl spaces. However, the best thing you can do is be vigilant for skunks and their dens.

Getting Professional Help

If you have a skunk problem, do not try to remove them yourself. Most DIY solutions are ineffective, and skunks can be dangerous if handled improperly.

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can help. We will come and assess the situation with experienced eyes. Our goal will be to determine why the skunks are entering your property and to devise a strategy to mitigate attractants. If necessary, we will remove the skunk and seal off its current den, which encourages it to move to a more suitable habitat.

Schedule Skunk Removal Services Today

If you need help getting rid of skunks in Madison, Milwaukee or any of our other service areas, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today. We will help you resolve the problem quickly and effectively.