The skunk population in southern Ontario keeps grwoing. It has been steadily increasing over the past decade and mostly because of our behaviours. The fact that they are thriving in urban settings is worth exploring further. Over the past decade, new laws and processes have been put in place to protect wildlife in the region. This coupled with the fact that skunks have few natural predators and an abundance of food sources in urban settings makes for a perfect storm. To avoid you or your pets getting sprayed, if you have a family of skunks living on your property, contact a humane wildlife removal company.
Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!
Food Sources
The reason our neighborhoods are ideal places for skunks to build their dens is simple, access to food. Skunks are omnivorous creatures, which means they are not exactly picky eaters. They will adapt their diets based on season and availability of food.
Their preference is to dine out on insects, all things being equal. But they will also devour smaller animal prey such as field mice, voles and ground-nesting birds. If neither insect nor small prey is available, they will eat plant matter and remnants of our foods found in garbages and landfills. This versatility in their eating habits is the main contributing factor to skunks being able to thrive in an urban setting.
When you consider all the green spaces and lawns they can dig up for insects, garbage disposal sites, as well as the residential, garbages, it’s little surprise the skunk population is growing.
Safe Environment
The other significant contributing factor to their adaptation is the fact that our neighborhoods are significantly safer than their natural habitat. Not only do they lack natural predators but they also have an abundance of potential den sites. Skunks are prolific diggers and as such find our decks, sheds and other surface-level structures ideal places to call home.
As for natural predators, there are none that pose a threat to them thriving within city limits. Coyotes and foxes will occasionally cross path with a skunk, but this is far less common than in their natural habitats. In the wild that is a constant threat, as well as larger birds and other predators specific to the regions they inhabit.
Over recent years most municipalities have adopted new laws and regulations protecting wildlife in general. This has also had a positive impact on skunks successful integration into city life. No wonder the skunk population keeps growing.
How This Affects You
For homeowners, this all equates to a higher likelihood of encountering a skunk on your property. If you do come across a skunk it’s best to keep a safe distance. Slowly move away from the area and keep calm. If you have any pets keep them indoors or on a leash. Contact a wildlife removal company and avoid the area they are in. Skunks will only spray if they feel threatened or are startled.
Because skunks can carry several diseases transmittable to humans, and with the recent rabies outbreaks in several Ontario communities; it’s more important than ever to avoid any interactions with wildlife. Best way to accomplish this is to give them plenty of space.
There are a few common sense steps you can put in place to decrease the appeal of your property to potential pests. Garbage disposal is a great place to start. Investing in a robust and proven garbage disposal and recycling bins is crucial. Skunks will take the path of least resistance and move on to your neighbors if the contents of your trash are not easily accessible.
It’s also advisable to take any measures possible to obstruct access to areas that may be attractive den sites. Block off obvious gaps accessing underneath decks or sheds as well as any entry points to garages or other structures. But keep in mind skunks are amazing diggers and can still easily access these areas. These measures will simply decrease the chance they pick your property.
If they have chosen your deck or garage to live under, significant preventative measures need to be put in place by trained professionals.
All Wildlife Removal’s Guaranteed Solution
However tempting it may be to try and save a few bucks and fix the problem yourself, there’s a reason professional wildlife removal companies prosper in every community. Dealing with wild animals requires expertise and experience. You are much more likely to get sprayed or compound the issue than you are to have success trying your hand at amateur wildlife prevention. Skunk removal should only be completed by professionals.
At All Wildlife Removal, we have proven prevention measures that we have perfected over the past decade plus. We also offer a lifetime warranty on all our full prevention packages, so you can put this behind you knowing it has been dealt with permanently.
Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!