Yipes! Stripes! Skunks and Raccoons

As a former USDA licensed exhibitor I enjoyed sharing a few skunks (fur farm born and descented) to educate the public about this very misunderstood creature. In some states these are legally kept as pets and can be excellent as such for the well educated person. One fact not mentioned in the article is the striped skunk inhabits mainly N. America. Years ago before becoming USDA licensed and having my own skunk our family had friends come to the US from Germany for the first time. After visiting in IL and other states including a trip to Disneyland the one thing that stood out in their minds was getting to smell a skunk!!!(btw they didn't think it was so bad) For this reason I always said I think a skunk should have been our national symbol. Another fact so often never shared is some Native Americans would put the scent gland of a harvested skunk in their medicine pouch worn around their necks for its curative powers. It seems as though the sulfuric compound inhaled helps alleviate certain respiratory ailments and smeared on the skin worksto allevaite the itch/rash of poison ivy, etc. I never saw such a entertaining sight as a spotted skunk which was used in educational programs running around inside a "ball" intended to be used by chinchillas. Oh and last but not least that scent most people would rather never smell was once upon a time used as an ingredient in very expensive perfumes. Chanel No 5 anyone?

There does seem to be a greater abundance of skunks around this year. We raise chickens and they come looking for the easy egg to steal.

So far I've (live) trapped 3 skunks this fall for release several miles away. I use a couple of eggs as bait. I approach the trap with a large tarp and cover it; wrap the tarp around the trap, and then transport my stinky friend to an area farther out into the country. I've only had one spray the tarp - but not me.

They do play a role in our natural world and a great many of them end up as road kill.

I clean parking lots at night in Farmington, NM. I see wildlife around town all the time. One of my accounts nest to a golf course sets out cat food and water for the stray cats. What they don't know is that they are feeding all the resident skunks and raccoons. One night after cleaning the lot I turned off the truck and sat quietly. Pretty soon there were 13 raccoons and 6 skunks all having quite the banquet.

For many years, I have used an inexpensive remedy for skunk odor. I had two cattle dogs who loved to play with skunks! This remedy will work on pets, bedding, humans, etc. My dogs also had a fetish for rolling on dead things. It works for this, too. 32 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and a squirt of liquid dish soap. Whisk together, pour over animal, lather and rinse. This mixture was enough to treat two 45 pound cattle dogs.