Skunks are a familiar presence across Virginia, recognized by their distinct black and white markings and their potent defensive spray. These adaptable mammals inhabit various environments throughout the state, from natural woodlands to suburban neighborhoods. Understanding their habits and characteristics can help residents coexist peacefully with these creatures.
Skunk Species Across Virginia
Virginia is home to two primary skunk species: the widespread Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the more elusive Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius putorius). The Striped Skunk is found in nearly all parts of the state. It is roughly the size of a house cat, weighing between 1.5 to 13 pounds and measuring 18 to 32 inches in length. It has a black body with a prominent white stripe extending from its nose up its forehead, often splitting into a “V” shape that runs down its back to its bushy tail. They have long, sharp claws on their front feet, suited for digging.
The Eastern Spotted Skunk is significantly smaller and more slender, often described as weasel-like. Unlike its striped counterpart, its dark fur has white spots and broken white stripes. This species is primarily found in the mountainous and western regions of Virginia, particularly within the Appalachian Mountains. Eastern Spotted Skunks are considered a species of conservation concern due to documented population declines in recent decades. A notable behavior of the Eastern Spotted Skunk is its tendency to perform a handstand as a warning before resorting to spraying, a unique defensive display. They are also capable tree climbers.
Skunk Habitats and Behavior
Skunks are primarily nocturnal, and rest in their dens throughout the day. They thrive in diverse habitats across Virginia, including woodlands, open fields, forest edges, agricultural areas, and urban and suburban environments. They often establish their homes within two miles of a water source.
For shelter, skunks use abandoned burrows created by other animals like woodchucks or foxes, or dig their own dens. These dens can be found in various locations, including hollow logs, rock piles, brush piles, or beneath human structures such as porches, decks, and sheds. While skunks do not hibernate, they enter periods of reduced activity during colder winter months, relying on accumulated fat reserves. During this time, multiple female skunks may share a communal den.
Skunks are omnivores with a varied diet that shifts seasonally. They eat insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, and grubs, along with worms and crayfish. They also eat small rodents, birds, eggs, amphibians, reptiles, and carrion. They also forage for plant matter like fruits, corn, nuts, and seeds, and scavenge from garbage cans and bird nests.
Living Alongside Skunks
Skunks are timid and prefer to avoid confrontation, using their spray as a last resort when they feel threatened. Before deploying their sulfur-based musk, skunks display warning signs such as stomping their front feet, hissing, or raising their tail. They can aim their spray with precision up to 10 to 15 feet, and it can cause temporary blindness and irritation. It takes a skunk 10 to 14 days to replenish its spray supply after a full discharge.
If a pet is sprayed, keep them outdoors to prevent the odor from entering the home. If the spray gets into their eyes, flushing them with cool water is recommended. To neutralize the odor, mix one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ΒΌ cup of baking soda, and one to two teaspoons of liquid dish soap. Apply this mixture immediately, lathered into the affected fur, left for about five minutes, and then thoroughly rinsed. Do not store this solution in a closed container, as it can expand and burst. The peroxide may temporarily bleach fur.
If a pet exhibits signs of lethargy, weakness, pale gums, or changes in urine color, or if they were bitten, seek veterinary attention for potential health concerns like anemia or rabies. For humans who have been sprayed, a shower with degreasing soap, or the same hydrogen peroxide mixture, mitigates the smell.
To prevent skunks from becoming a nuisance, residents can take steps:
Secure outdoor trash cans and remove accessible food sources, such as pet food left outside or fallen fruit.
Seal entry points under decks, porches, sheds, and crawl spaces with sturdy wire or fencing that extends underground.
Clear overgrown brush piles and fill holes in the ground.
Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers.
Because skunks dislike strong scents, apply commercial repellents or homemade mixtures (e.g., cayenne pepper, ammonia, citrus peels) around property perimeters.
If a skunk is denning under a structure, ensure the animal has left before sealing the entry, especially if young are present.
Contact professional wildlife removal services for persistent issues.