Debate on Skunks: Re: Skunks

» JeffSinger - Re: Skunks

In response to message posted by ConnieT:

Actually I've both heard and read from various skunk owners that Skunks make wonderful pets! People often say that they wouldn't like to own a skunk because it would smell bad. Well truth be known that when skunks are desented they don't smell at all. You seldomly need bathe them, and they are as lovable as cats, only more intelligent. Domestic skunks have been bred for the last several hundred years for people who want to try a different type of pet than cats and dogs. Why not try something new? I hope to own one in the future, but currently they are illegal to raise in my state.

Skunks will spray you, but unless you run at it or startle it by ambush, 90% of the time they will give you plenty of chances to escape. Like most animals, they would rather run first, but when cornered or followed they will warn you by stomping and lifting their tails in the air. I've read that most will give you multiple hints to back off, cause they don't like to use their spray cause it would make them vulnerable to the next predator they encounter (since their spray is not without limitation). I've seen plenty of skunks and not once have I seen one that didn't run off when startled.

-- posted by JeffSinger