Skunk Mating Season Leads To More Encounters In Green Country, Here's What You Should Know

Skunk sightings are on the rise across Green Country. It's mating season, and for the next two months you're more likely to see and smell them during the day.

The number one way to attract a skunk is to leave dog food outside. Skunks also like to dig and live in dens, so you can close up areas under your shed or a deck with chicken wire or bricks.

For three weeks now, the Phillips family has been dealing with a skunk situation.

"They are sitting right under here under our bedroom window," said Allison Phillips.

Skunks love to dig and have a second home in the Phillips backyard in Inola, so their house has a distinct and very unpleasant smell right now.

"Going to work every day every work smelling like a skunk has been awful, having to explain myself every day," said Phillips.

Since it's mating season, skunks are more likely to be active during the day, and when you take your dog out, it's important to take precautions.

"Just kind of clap your hands and make some noise and then pause because skunks' natural inclination is to avoid people, they don't have a lot of defenses beyond that smell," said WildCare Foundation education director Kristy Wicker.

Wicker says skunks don't want to spray, so when they feel threatened they usually will let you know.

"They stomp their front feet and do a short charge and stomp their feet and that's your signal to kind of back away," said Wicker.

Wicker says skunks don't have an unlimited amount of spray so they want to save it.

They have poor eyesight but great hearing too, she said.

One of their biggest predators is humans and their cars.

One way to shoo the stinkers away is to play talk radio, shine a spotlight or repel them with an odor they don't like. 

"Rags soaked in apple cider vinegar are usually enough to convince animals to move," said Wicker.

It may not seem like it, but skunks aren't all bad.

"They serve an important role in the ecosystem, they eat a lot of bugs and grubs a lot of things like that, they're a part of the ecosystem; just enjoy them from a distance," said Michah Holmes, Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation spokesperson.

The Wildcare Foundation says it's better to use hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap if you or your dog gets sprayed.