Did I mention…

We have skunks!?!
Yeah, baby ones. And I just found out a typical litter can contain up to 8… the average is 5. Oi Vey.

Yes that is a skunk in broad daylight. I guess it was really hungry since they are supposed to be nocturnal and we’ve been bringing the cat food in at night.
So I called animal control, they sent me to private contractors, which I clearly do not have the money for. And found out they will kill them. This leaves me a little torn, because I did a little research and found out they are pretty good little animals. They eat mostly bugs that are dangerous to humans and they also eat rodents. They only spray when absolutely necessary… when they become adults that is. I guess the baby’s spray more often, which is why my damn house smells like a skunk today.
The site I found with info on them said we should sprinkle cayenne pepper around to discourage them from being around. So I did that. I hope it works.
My other solution upon reading their list of solutions is the out door cats HAVE TO GO! If we didn’t have cats eating outside, there wouldn’t be food and water encouraging the wild animals to make this their home.
Here’s the list from: http://www.projectwildlife.org/living-skunks.htm

TIPS

1. Do not feed the skunks. They can easily become dependent on human food sources.

2. Never leave pet food outside.

3. Never discard edible garbage where skunks can get to it.

4. Secure garbage containers and eliminate their odors. Use a small amount of ammonia or cayenne pepper in the garbage to discourage scavenging.

5. A persistent, faint skunk odor around a hole leading under a foundation or deck indicates a skunk may be present. To find out, cover the hole with loose dirt; if a skunk is in residence, it will dig out during the night. Allow three days for this test; if dirt remains undisturbed, then close the opening with masonry, boards, or hardware cloth.

6. Install one-way doors on entrances to skunk dens, allowing the skunk to leave at night but barring it from re-entering. Watch for any new holes. Do not use one-way doors during May through August, when babies may be in the den. If the mother cannot return, the babies will starve. This is inhumane and can also cause odor problems.

7. Place mothball-filled socks and/or sprinkle cayenne pepper around your yard to discourage digging.

8. Start a nontoxic insect- control program (especially for grubs) to discourage digging.

9. Fences are effective as long as they are buried at least 1 1/2 feet in the ground.

10. If a skunk strays into your garage, leave a door to the outside open and let the skunk exit on its own.

11. Securely enclose poultry, especially at night. Repair all openings in coop or fencing. Fencing should extend 6 to 8 inches underground to prevent skunks and other animals from digging under.

12. Debris and brush piles should be removed or stacked neatly to eliminate suitable cavities.

13. Blow-up or plastic great horned owls may be strategically placed and periodically moved to deter skunks.

14. Lighting up of denning sites and a portable radio may cause the skunk to seek a more suitable habitat.

15. Keep pet doors closed at night to prevent illegal entry by a skunk.

16. Keep fruit trees picked and don’t leave rotted fruit on the ground.

17. Restrict use of birdseed. Skunks are attracted to it and to the birds and rodents that use the feeder.

18. If possible, eliminate outdoor sources of water.

19. Battery operated flashing lights, tape recorded human noises, scattered moth balls and ammonia-soaked rags strategically placed may deter skunks from entering your yard.

20. Trapping and relocation of skunks is not a recommended or viable alternative. Wild animals are territorial and like species will simply take over the area vacated by the relocated or dead animal.

Call me what you will, but I don’t think we have the right to kill an animal just because it is inconvenient or smelly…or could have rabies, but isn’t showing any signs of it. I wish they could just relocate the little guys.