As the weather gets colder, many animals are preparing for winter survival. But for skunks in Calvert County, it can be a particularly difficult season. How do skunks survive the winter and what should homeowners do if they find one on their property? This cold season survival guide will provide tips and information on their behavior during the winter months, as well as advice on the safest and most effective ways to remove them if necessary.

Whether you’re a homeowner wondering how to get rid of a skunk, or simply curious about the winter habits of these fascinating creatures, Skedaddle’s guide is a must-read. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa and settle in for a journey into the world of skunk removal in Calvert County.

Understanding Skunk Behavior in the Cold Season 

Winter Habits Explained 

When winter approaches, skunks in Calvert County shift their behavior as they prepare to face the cold months ahead. Their primary focus is to search for food and build fat stores that will sustain them through the dormant period. They tend to feast on insects, grubs, small rodents, and berries, with their diet becoming more omnivorous as the temperature drops. 

Unlike some animals that go into full hibernation, skunks are semi-hibernators. They retreat into their dens—often burrowed underneath buildings or woodpiles—to stay warm and conserve energy, often sleeping for days or weeks at a time. However, on milder winter days, don’t be surprised to see them out and about, foraging for food. 

How They Prepare for Winter 

To stave off the cold, skunks bulk up their body weight in the fall, adding a layer of fat that will help them survive the winter months. You may notice them becoming more active and visible during the autumn as they busily forage for food. They are also likely to be seen more often during daylight hours, which is unusual for these normally nocturnal animals. 

• Nesting: They seek shelter in burrows, under porches, sheds, or in other secluded spots to nest for the winter. They pile leaves and grass into these dens to create insulation against the cold.
• Mating: They are solitary creatures for most of the year but come winter, females may share their den with a male for companionship and warmth.
• Food stores: While they bulk up their body weight, they don’t typically store food for the winter. Instead, on milder days, they may leave their dens to search for food.

Understanding the skunks’ winter behavior and habits can provide insight into how to handle a problem and potentially avoid encounters. With the right approach, you can peacefully cohabitate with these critters through the winter season, ensuring their survival and your comfort.

Preventative Measures to Keep Skunks Away 

Understanding a skunk’s cold weather behavior can play a vital role in their prevention and management. It’s equally important to have a comprehensive plan in place to keep these unpredictable creatures from transforming your home into their winter den. So, let’s dive into some practical preventative measures. 

Secure your Property 

Begin by thoroughly inspecting your property for any potential entry points. They are notorious for their digging skills and can easily burrow under fences and outdoor buildings. Remember to: 

1. Seal all holes and cracks along foundations.
2. Install sturdy, below-ground fences.
3. Ensure all outdoor storage spaces, such as sheds, are fully secured at the base.

Maintain your Garden 

Skunks are attracted to gardens with plentiful food sources and hiding spots. A well-maintained garden, however, can deter them from setting up camp. Here’s what you can do: 

• Keep your yard free from fallen fruits, bird seeds, pet food or any food scraps.
• Regularly mow your lawn and trim bushes to reduce potential hiding spots.

Invest in Deterrents 

Commercial deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers, light systems, and high-frequency sound emitters can be effective additions to your prevention toolkit. While no single method guarantees complete prevention, using multiple tactics together can significantly decrease the chances of an invasion. 

Keeping skunks away during the cold season involves a detailed plan and consistent efforts. It’s a mix of making your property less accessible, less attractive, and potentially uncomfortable for them. It’s no small task, but the peace of mind is worth the effort.

Navigating Skunk Encounters: Do’s and Don’ts

The experts at Skedaddle have identified several behaviors that homeowners should adopt when they find themselves in a skunk encounter. We have put together this list of do’s and don’ts to help you know exactly how to react. 

Do’s When You Encounter a Skunk 

• Stay calm: They are generally harmless creatures. Panicking may scare them and provoke an unwanted spray incident.
• Maintain a safe distance: Always give it ample space. They spray as a defence mechanism when they feel threatened.
• Move slowly: Quick movements can frighten them, potentially leading to a spraying situation.
• Contact professionals: If one has entered your property, it’s always best to enlist professional help, like Skedaddle’s humane removal service, to safely and effectively resolve the problem.

Don’ts When You Encounter a Skunk 

• Don’t corner it: Cornering a scared skunk will trigger its defence mechanism, leading to a spray.
• Don’t attempt to remove it by yourself: Unless you have professional training in wildlife removal, you may harm yourself, the animal, and inadvertently cause further damage to your property.
• Don’t ignore it: Even if you feel it might leave by itself, a skunk can cause significant harm to your property and could potentially carry diseases such as rabies.

Experiencing an encounter can certainly put your home at risk and raise the urgency to safeguard your property. While observing these do’s and don’ts provides an interim solution, remember, skilled professionals like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control should be your go-to in handling and de-escalating such scenarios.

Choose Skedaddle for Humane Skunk Removal in Calvert County 

Whether it’s winter or the peak of summer, dealing with skunks on your property can be quite nerve-wracking and challenging. However, trying to remove these animals yourself can be dangerous for you, the animal, and your property. That’s where Skedaddle steps in. 

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers the most effective and humane removal services, ensuring that you enjoy a safe and comfortable living environment, free from unwanted visitors. 

Why Choose Skedaddle? 

• Proven Methods: At Skedaddle, we have developed proven techniques and methods for removal that are safe for both animals and homeowners.
• Humane Practices: We believe in respectful cohabitation with wildlife. Therefore, we use practices that are humane and abide by the best wildlife control ethics.
• Experienced Technicians: Our wildlife experts are well-trained in identifying, capturing, and safely releasing wildlife without causing them harm.
• Long-Term Solutions: Rather than a temporary fix, we focus on providing lasting solutions to wildlife problems by securing potential entry points and giving homeowners advice on how to keep animals from returning.

We approach every case with great respect for the animals and a commitment to ensuring their well-being. The animals are captured without harm and relocated to a suitable habitat far from your property. 

Stay Protected with Skedaddle 

With the cold season putting wildlife on the move in search of a warm refuge, it’s prime time to consider protecting your home. You need a partner who can provide effective and reliable prevention and removal services – that’s exactly what Skedaddle offers. 

We’re committed to helping you navigate the challenges of the cold season and are ready to step in if an encounter occurs. You can count on us every step of the way. 

Don’t let the cold season catch you off-guard. Stay ahead with Skedaddle. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your home in Calvert County. Together, let’s ensure your comfort and the well-being of our local wildlife during the cold season.