Can Baby Skunks Spray? Learn About These Stinkingly Cute Critters

Some wild species are more noticeable than others when in your garden, however, the skunk is the smelliest one!

Skunks are one of those animals who stink. When skunks get agitated or afraid, they spray a nasty scent that is noticeable from some distance.

When a skunk sprays, it is normally an indication that it is feeling apprehensive. The young are nursed in a den for around six weeks, then they join their mother on trips outside the den. They are capable of following their mother at night, foraging for food. In this article, you will find out facts about skunks and answers to questions like how can you tell that they are going to spray? Why do skunks spray? What is the reason for the spray?

If you can't get enough of skunks, do check out are skunks nocturnal and what do skunks eat?

Can you pick up a baby skunk?

If you're determined to pick up a baby skunk by yourself, you need to take preventative measures. You need to first wear thick gloves and protect all uncovered parts of your skin as a precaution.

Scared babies will try and guard themselves and use their defense mechanisms. Skunks can achieve this through both spraying and biting. Very cautiously, draw the skunks out from where they are, select them, and place them in a snug box.

Do baby skunks have spray glands?

The babies continue to be inside the den for approximately eight weeks. Juvenile skunks are stopped from having their mother's milk when they emerge from the den and are approximately eight in (20 cm) long. However, they will have developed their scent from birth, approximately from the age of four months, and can even spray with accuracy. Young skunks are likely to spray but not the same amount as the adults do.

Over a couple of months, a baby skunk will discover ways to use its unique protection mechanism. It takes time to successfully spray a jet of fragrance directly into the face of a predator. Adolescent skunks practice a few times in order to improve their aim. Skunks are very active during early spring, usually because of the mating season, and they give birth to their little ones during April and May. They typically have a single litter of 4-6 babies.

Baby skunks are capable of spraying as soon as they turn furry and their eyes are open. However, due to the fact that they’re small, they can’t spray much. A skunk normally only sprays when it is startled. So, when you cross a skunk, be careful to pass by slowly or else you'll get sprayed.

Signs Of Impending Spraying

Baby skunks practice a few times before they can spray perfectly. Baby skunks are not as good at directing as adults are. Their sprays are shorter and more erratic. They gain this ability just a few weeks after their birth.

Assuming that baby skunks won't spray because they're young is wrong. Skunks typically make it apparent that they are ready to give you a spray through hissing and growling sounds. They may also give you a warning by foot thumping and even shrieking. They also make a U shape with their head and rear end, aim their tails and even shaking. If you are near a skunk doing this, these behaviors in all likelihood are signs showing that you should go away immediately. However, if a skunk begins raising its tail and looking towards you, then it's too late to run away. You will probably experience an uncomfortable situation and encounter the ugly scent of skunk spray.

Reasons For Spraying

Whether you are dealing with a week-old skunk or a totally mature three-year-old animal without a mother, the nature of spraying in skunks isn't a random behavior. These creatures do spray sometimes. They do not do so in order to disrupt others, as they generally tend to live away from humans. It commonly happens if a skunk is very afraid, maybe by seeing predators, or startled.

Skunks use their spray as an ultimatum. There are misconceptions regarding skunks spraying all the time. They never spray unless they are too exhausted after using other defense mechanisms or when they notice an immediate threat.

What To Do If You Find A Baby Skunk Alone

Skunk moms easily get scared away from their babies. However, a lone child will generally be retrieved later by their mom. Mother and child can trace each other with the aid of scent. Older babies can commonly locate their personal dens with the aid of scent.

Skunks are nocturnal and their activities happen throughout the night time. If you spot a young skunk on its own during the day, then there can be a few things to be concerned about. Mother skunks don’t regularly move too far from their little ones except in order to accumulate meals to feed their babies. So, if the babies are on their own, screen them first for a bit. At the same time, check whether the mom shows up or not. When you do think that it is necessary to call a baby skunk removal team, just call pest control or a wildlife removal company to help you with the process.

If you find a skunk injured (bleeding, damaged bones, or in a cat’s mouth) or a baby that has not been reclaimed by its mom after 12 hours or one night time, then definitely call for wildlife removal. Remember to never to feed the baby.

What do baby skunks smell like?

The noxious fragrance of skunk spray may be long-lasting and overpowering. Skunk scent incorporates sulfur-based natural compounds referred to as thiols. These compounds emit an instantaneous blast of acrid fragrance, which is similar to the smell of rotten eggs.

Skunk spray also incorporates thioacetals. Thioacetals stay dormant at first, but can morph into smell-generating thiols when they come in touch with water or humidity. This can manifest days after a skunking has occurred. It’s the thioacetates in skunk spray that provide the staying power.

The spray is an oily liquid produced through glands under the skunk's tail. A skunk's spray can reach about 10 ft (3 m). It can sprinkle up to six times continuously.

The smell of skunk spray stays for about 2-3 weeks at least. It is difficult to get rid of. The sprayed smell is pungent. Therefore, removal of the scent should be done as soon as possible. Removal can be done by washing clothes with detergent and ½ cup baking soda in hot water. If you notice that you haven't achieved complete removal, repeat the process.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for can baby skunks spray then why not take a look at how far can a skunk spray, or Skunk Facts.