Skunks are common in Tucson, Arizona, found across various habitats from desert landscapes to urban and suburban areas. Understanding these adaptable mammals helps residents coexist peacefully.
Skunk Species Found in Tucson
Four skunk species inhabit Arizona, all found across the Sonoran Desert, including Tucson. The most common is the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), with black fur and a distinct white stripe that starts on its head and splits into a V-shape down its back. These skunks weigh between 6 and 14 pounds and measure 13 to 18 inches long.
Another species is the western spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis), considerably smaller at 1 to 1.5 pounds, roughly the size of a squirrel. Its black coat features broken white stripes and spots, creating a blotchy appearance, along with a white triangular patch on its forehead and a white spot under each ear.
The American hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus leuconotus) is Arizona’s largest, typically weighing 2 to 3 pounds but capable of reaching nearly 10 pounds. It has a single, broad white stripe from its head to its entirely white tail, lacking white markings between the eyes. Its elongated, naked snout resembles a pig’s, and it possesses strong foreclaws ideal for digging. The hooded skunk (Mephitis macroura) is also present, primarily in southeastern Arizona, identified by its long fur on the back and a proportionally longer tail, sometimes appearing with an all-white back or two white side stripes.
Coexisting with Skunks in Tucson
Skunks thrive in Tucson’s urban, suburban, and desert fringe environments, often seeking shelter under human structures. They den in burrows, rocky crevices, hollowed trees, or beneath homes, decks, porches, and sheds. These animals are nocturnal, active at night as they forage. Their omnivorous diet includes insects, fallen fruits, berries, small rodents, eggs, and pet food left outdoors.
To minimize encounters, residents can take preventative measures. Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids, and remove outdoor pet food and water bowls overnight. Clear fallen fruit from yards and block access to potential den sites, such as crawl spaces or areas under decks and sheds, with sturdy materials. Maintaining a tidy yard by trimming overgrown bushes and removing clutter reduces hiding spots for skunks.
If a skunk is encountered, maintain a safe distance. Skunks warn before spraying by stomping their feet, hissing, puffing up their fur, or raising their tails; western spotted skunks may perform a handstand. Quietly walk away to prevent a defensive spray.
Understanding the Skunk’s Spray
A skunk’s spray is an oily, yellowish secretion of sulfur-containing compounds: thiols and thioacetates. Thiols cause the immediate, strong odor. Thioacetates, less odorous initially, convert to more thiols when exposed to water, explaining why the scent can return or intensify after a bath.
Skunks spray from two glands near the base of their tail. When threatened, a skunk turns its back, forms a horseshoe shape, lifts its tail, and releases musk. They spray with accuracy up to 10 to 15 feet. While they can spray multiple times, their supply is not unlimited; it can take up to a week or more to replenish their glands, making them vulnerable.
Exposure to skunk spray can cause immediate effects in both humans and pets. For humans, direct contact, especially in the eyes, can lead to temporary irritation, including stinging, burning, redness, tearing, and even temporary blindness. Inhaling the odor can cause nausea, vomiting, and, in rare cases, respiratory irritation. Pets, especially dogs and cats, are also susceptible to eye irritation, drooling, vomiting, and sneezing if sprayed directly in the face. In rare instances, severe exposure in dogs has been linked to red blood cell damage.
For pets sprayed by a skunk, tomato juice is not effective; it only masks the smell. A more effective solution is a mixture of one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, one-quarter cup of baking soda, and one teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Apply this solution to the pet’s wet fur, avoiding eyes, let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. It is important to note that hydrogen peroxide can temporarily bleach a pet’s fur.
If a pet is sprayed in the eyes, flush immediately with cool water or saline solution. For clothing and hard surfaces, use the same mixture or a diluted white vinegar solution (one part vinegar to two parts water). Placing bowls of white vinegar around the affected area helps neutralize lingering airborne odors.