The spring season is the beginning of new life and the mating season for many animals around the Chicago area including the skunk.  As the weather starts to warm up, skunks increase their activity and begin their mating rituals in which female skunks will spray rejected male skunks and put their smell into the air.  Homeowners should keep an eye out for skunks around their property because they can become a nuisance by burrowing in the yard, secreting their odors, and spreading diseases such as rabies through their bite.  If a skunk has become a problem around your home, it is best to call an animal control professional to remove it.

Types of Skunks

There are four species of skunk that are found in the United States; the striped skunk, the spotted skunk, the hog-nosed skunk, and the hooded skunk.  The striped skunk is the most common type found in the Chicago area as the spotted skunk is rare in some areas and the hooded and hog-nosed skunks are mostly found in the southwestern regions of the U.S.  Each skunk type has stocky legs and large feet with claws that are excellent for digging.

Skunk Breeding Habits

Skunks are nocturnal creatures that tend to stay within a half a mile to a 2 mile diameter around their home area but males may wander about 4 or 5 miles during mating season.  The breeding season for adult skunks begins in late February and litters are typically born in early May from older female skunks and in early June from younger female skunks.  Skunks normally have one litter per year of 4 to 6 young but a skunk litter can contain anywhere from 2 to 16 young.

Damage from Skunks

Skunks can be a nuisance to homeowners with their burrowing, odor secretions, and their potential to spread diseases.  The burrowing causes the most problems as skunks may dig under porches, sheds, and decks and may even enter buildings through the foundation.  They also dig up lawns in search of grubs and have been known to dig through unsecured garbage.  Their secretions are another potential nuisance as skunks are very defensive and may spray when they feel threatened by people or pets.  If a skunk bites a human or another animal, they could spread diseases such as rabies and Leptospirosis among others.

As soon as you suspect you may have a skunk infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with skunk exclusion and removal, including humane live animal trapping (never poisons!). We will remove the skunks and fix any property damage they may have caused. Click to read more about skunk removal services from Attic Solutions.