Skunks generally do not attack humans without provocation. They are docile animals that primarily use their spray as a last resort defensive mechanism to deter perceived threats.
Understanding Skunk Behavior
Skunks are not aggressive animals and generally try to avoid confrontation. Their poor eyesight can lead to accidental close encounters.
Before spraying, skunks display warning behaviors to signal distress and encourage retreat. They may stomp their front feet, hiss, perform a short, aggressive charge, or raise and puff out their tails. If these warnings are ignored, a skunk will turn its back, raise its tail, and spray a potent, oily liquid from glands near its anus.
The spray is a mixture of sulfur-containing chemicals called thiols, responsible for its strong, unpleasant odor. It can travel up to 10 feet and cause temporary blindness and irritation to the eyes, nose, and mouth. Skunks are reluctant to spray because it depletes their limited musk supply. Replenishing this supply can take up to 10 days, leaving them vulnerable, so they reserve their spray for situations where they feel genuinely threatened, cornered, or are protecting their young.
Health Risks Associated with Skunks
The primary health concern associated with skunks is their potential to carry and transmit rabies. Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans, and can be fatal if not treated promptly. The virus is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly via a bite or scratch that breaks the skin. While not all skunks carry rabies, they are among the wildlife species most frequently reported with the virus in North America.
A rabid skunk may display unusual behaviors such as being active during daylight hours, exhibiting disorientation, or showing uncharacteristic aggression or lack of fear towards humans. Other signs can include foaming at the mouth, paralysis, or difficulty walking in a straight line. If bitten or scratched by a skunk, especially one exhibiting signs of illness, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Post-exposure treatment for rabies is highly effective if administered quickly, but once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
Safe Practices Around Skunks
To minimize encounters with skunks, remove attractants from your property. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving pet food outdoors, especially overnight. Skunks are also drawn to potential den sites, so seal openings under decks, porches, and sheds with sturdy barriers like wire mesh. Clearing away overgrown vegetation and debris piles also reduces hiding spots.
If you encounter a skunk, remaining calm is important. Skunks have poor vision, and sudden movements can startle them into spraying. Slowly and quietly back away, allowing the skunk a clear escape route.
Avoid making direct eye contact, as this can be perceived as a threat. If a skunk displays warning signs like foot stomping or tail raising, increase your distance. For nighttime encounters, a gentle use of a flashlight can help you see the skunk and may cause it to move away.
Should you or a pet get sprayed, immediate action can help neutralize the odor. A common and effective remedy involves a mixture of one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, one-quarter cup of baking soda, and one teaspoon of liquid dish soap. This solution should be applied to the affected area, lathered, allowed to sit for a few minutes, and then thoroughly rinsed. For skin or eyes, flush immediately with water. While tomato juice is a popular folk remedy, it typically only masks the odor rather than neutralizing the compounds responsible for the smell.