What's That Smell? Tips to Avoid Skunk Encounters this Fall

By Carrie Bradshaw September 3, 2024 (WJW) – Have you noticed a certain smell in the air lately? That’s likely because striped skunks are beginning to bulk up for the long winter ahead. Wildlife officials are reminding everyone that this is the time of year when these critters are most active. According to a recent post by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Facebook, you might see skunks foraging later in the morning and coming out earlier in the evening. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources notes that skunks are primarily nocturnal, meaning they rarely wander around during the daytime. However, with their increased activity as they prepare for winter, your chances of encountering them—whether you're out for a walk or letting your pet out—might increase. To minimize the risk of a skunk encounter, the Ohio Wildlife Center offers some practical tips: Secure garbage cans and compost buckets. Avoid leaving dog or cat food outside overnight. Screen off openings in your foundation and under porches. Keep sheds, garages, and other outbuildings closed at night. Though skunks are not true hibernators, they do store significant amounts of body fat during the fall. When the weather turns cold, they retreat to their dens, where they might remain for several weeks or even a month at a time. For more information, you can visit the original article on Fox 8 News or check out the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s post on Facebook. Source https://fox8.com/news/watch-out-skunks-are-bulking-up/ Source https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=911308771039720&id=100064818157608&set=a.222353563268581 Photo credit Buffalo shop WA https://www.etsy.com/listing/984236556/skunk-mount-taxidermy Note: This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.