Our education Striped Skunk ambassador, Sebastian, came to us from our rehabilitation colleague, Susan Wotton at Critterville in Brooklin, ME. He was born in a backyard den and the homeowner awaited eagerly the emergence of the babies onto the lawn. The mother was an old friend who had babies there before, and the homeowner loved watching them play. This year one baby couldn’t walk. Susan examined him and found an old bite wound in the ankle which had frozen the joint and made the leg immobile. It was far too late to do anything. If it had been an animal like a fox with a long, elegant legs, He would have simply lifted the leg off the ground and run on three. But our rotund little skunk with short stubby legs can’t do this so Susan and I decided to transfer him for education. He is still very fond of Susan, and she visits when she can, sometimes giving him a bath.
Skunks are among our favorite mammals, and I had looked for a non-releasable youngster for years to teach about their species. Like porcupines they are kind of superheroes, walking briskly about, exploring logs, and swamps, and porches, but being given a wide berth by animals and people alike. Respect is due and if its given skunks cause few problems to homeowners. Just step aside and they will waddle on by without spraying. They give plenty of warning if disturbed by stomping, turning their butts towards you, raising their tails. They would rather not spray as it takes up to two weeks to replenish their glands. They are a great backyard helper, eating grubs and small rodents, fruit and vegetation. If you have specific problems, please call a rehabilitator for advice. Skunks have many dens and can use an alternative if persuaded. Please don’t trap and move. They won’t know where they are, they will have stiff competition from resident skunks on the new territory, they may have young who will starve, and another skunk will immediately take over the old territory solving nothing.
