Two houses down from Benzing in the Steamboat II subdivision, Valley Varmints trapped a skunk two nights in a row last week inside a fenced backyard. Even cats have been sprayed by skunks, according to Routt County residents, who note the pain of washing cats thoroughly. To bathe pets that are sprayed, the effective mixture recommended by the American Kennel Club is one-fourth cup of baking soda, a teaspoon of mild dishwashing detergent and one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.īecause skunks do not hibernate in winter and are nocturnal, pet owners unfortunately often end up washing sprayed dogs late at night. The Kistlers note homeowners can use bleach to get rid of the smell of skunk spray on hard surfaces. ![]() “We’ve certainly got plenty of them,” said Bond, who emphasized the need for residents to remove wildlife food attractants from outside their homes. I’m sure they are getting hungry.” Travis Kistler, co-owner, Valley VarmintsĬolorado Parks and Wildlife Officer Kyle Bond said Routt County is home to a “robust” population of skunks. “It’s a long snowy winter, so it’s harder for skunks to find food. “Ever since that first year, I don’t let her off leash after dark.” “I was a little frustrated, mainly by the fact that my dog ends up getting sprayed at least once a year,” Benzing said. The skunk visitors may have been attracted to the home’s entrance because Benzing sometimes feeds his large dog outside on the front wooden porch. If you see skunks or any wildlife while out with your pet, avoid contact and go the other direction.Routt County resident Travis Benzing found out how hungry the skunks may be when he watched two skunks clawing near his front glass door twice during one evening on March 6. Fit the screen tightly against the building then fill the trench in with dirt. The base of the ‘L’ should be at least eight inches wide. To do this dig a one inch deep by one inch wide trench around the perimeter and place the screen in the trench to form a backwards ‘L’. The most effective exclusion technique is the installation of an L-shaped galvanized screen around the perimeter of the porch or shed but leaving the entrance/exit hole open. These methods will disturb the skunk and make her feel less secure and more likely to move out. ![]() You can also place a battery-powered light shining towards the den, and go out several times a day and make noise. Place a battery-powered radio tuned to an all-talk station near the den. Therefore introducing noise and light to the site will encourage her to seek an alternate den site. Female skunks select den sites that are quiet and dark because they offer her a sense of security for her young. When dealing with skunks, noise and light are highly effective deterrent measures. Our Fact sheet about living with wildlife has some great information on skunks! Check out a snippet here: Stopping skunks from making a den on your property ![]() Late winter is also mating season for skunks and they have their young usually in May or June. This means you would see them most before and after long periods of snow cover. Though skunks don’t hibernate, they can burrow in their dens during especially cold spells. Truth is, skunks don’t hibernate and therefore can be very active in the winter at almost any time of day. As the cold weather settles in, you may think you’re in the clear for seeing skunks.
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