Wildlife Center of Virginia shares tips as skunk mating season begins

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Wildlife Center of Virginia is sharing several tips as the start of skunk mating season brings higher chances of human encounters.

Although skunks are often known as nocturnal and solitary animals, during their search for mates from January to mid-March, they sometimes have to leave their usual territory, according to the center.

Male skunks might even travel several miles to look for females -- resulting in skunks crossing roads and appearing near homes.

During this period of increased activity, the Wildlife Center of Virginia is urging people to take the following steps to keep skunks safe.

Watch for skunks on the road

The center said that skunks are often active at night and during twilight hours. They are also drawn to food scraps that might be left along roadsides. Reducing litter as a whole can help keep wild animals safer.

Check your property for potential den sites

Mother skunks look for safe, sheltered spaces to raise their young, which include burrows beneath porches, crawlspaces or other structures. Property owners are urged to inspect their property and look for den openings, usually four to six inches wide with a faint skunk odor. If a skunk has already made your home their home, visit this page for next steps.

Know the warning signs of defensive behavior

Skunks give clear warning signals when cornered or threatened before they resort to spraying -- foot-stomping, tail-raising, a quick turn to position their backend toward the threat and hissing. If these warnings are ignored, a skunk can end up spraying multiple times, even reaching up to 15 feet.

Use extreme caution when handling skunks

Skunks in Virginia are at a high risk of rabies and roundworm. Anyone who comes across a sick or injured skunk should avoid direct contact and visit the center's Sick and Injured Wildlife page for safe handling practices.

For more information about how to keep yourself and surrounding skunks safe, click here.