What: The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is the most common of four skunk species that inhabit Colorado. The western spotted and eastern spotted skunks are both more rare. And the white-backed hog-nosed skunk is extremely rare in our state.
What’s cool: Believe it or not, lots. Skunks are highly omniverous, but among their favorite foods are nestling mice and grubs — so they do help keep other pests in check. They also chow on bugs, birds, eggs and garbage.
What’s not: Skunks are known disturbers of beehives. They generally avoid contact with pets and people, so if a skunk acts aggressively in daylight, it may mean it has rabies. Avoid it and make sure your pets avoid it, and alert local wildlife authorities. they may seek to nest under sheds, foundations and lumber piles, which increases the chance of unintended contact.
Get more info:
If you or a pet is sprayed:Tomato juice doesn’t work. But (totalwildlifecontrol.com) has a recipe that does.
Sources: Colorado Parks and Wildlife; Colorado Department of Natural Resources; National Museum of Natural History; Colorado State University Extension
