Found a Skunk?

Central Oregon Skunks

Skunks are nocturnal members of the weasel family and are common in Central Oregon. 

DO NOT attempt to handle skunks - they are rabies vector species and can carry and transfer rabies without exhibiting symptoms!

Orphaned skunks should be reunited with parents as soon as possible.

Injured skunks should be contained and brought to Think Wild for care.

DO NOT offer food or water to injured or orphaned skunks! 

Below are tips for what to do if you find a skunk, get sprayed by a skunk, or have other conflicts with skunks.

Orphaned Skunk

Reunite Instructions

  • If baby skunk IS NOT injured
    • Place the baby(ies) under a NON-AIRTIGHT container flipped upside down with a weight on top - the weight needs to be heavy enough that the baby can't lift the container but the parent can
      • Appropriate containers: plastic laundry basket, plastic bin with holes added, large cardboard box with holes added
    • Provide heat via microwaved sock filled with rice - wrap in a towel
    • Place the container with a weight and the baby under it as close to the den as possible on the ground
    • If the location of the den is not known, then place the container, weight, and baby in a safe location as close to the location where it was found as possible
    • Leave the container with the baby(ies) inside overnight - skunks are nocturnal animals and their mother is most active during that time
    • Check the container in the morning
    • Contact Think Wild at 8 am - (541) 241-8680

 

  • If baby skunk IS INJURED
    • Wear heavy gloves - do not handle skunks with bare hands - they are rabies vector species
    • Gently usher skunk into box or crate with a broom or branch if needed
    • Contain baby(ies) in a in a well-ventilated box or crate lined with a towel or blanket
    • Provide heat via microwaved sock filled with rice - wrap in a towel
    • Keep skunk(s) in a dark, quiet location away from humans and pets
    • Contact Think Wild at 8 am - (541) 241-8680

Injured Skunk

Signs a skunk needs care: 

  • Visible wounds, blood, or debris on the animal
  • Very heavy or very shallow breathing
  • Vomiting or diarrhea 
  • Neurologic symptoms: balance issues, walking in circles, head tic, etc.
  • Lethargy
  • Shaking
  • Visibly emaciated (bones visible beneath loose skin)
  • Crusty eyes or nasal discharge
  • Entanglement in barbed wire, garden netting, fencing, etc.
  • Caught by a predator or domestic animal (ALL cat-caught native wildlife require treatment)

If you find an injured skunk

  • At night or outside of hotline operating hours…
    • Wear heavy gloves - do not handle skunks with bare hands - they are rabies vector species
    • Capture with a live trap, large box, or dog crate
    • Gently usher skunk into box or crate with a broom or branch if needed
    • COVER the box or crate with a towel or bedsheet in case the skunk sprays - this will help contain the smell
    • Keep in a dark, quiet location away from humans and pets
    • If skunk is too alert to capture, please monitor until Think Wild operating hours
    • Contact Think Wild at 8 am - (541) 241-8680
  • During the day… 
    • Contact Think Wild immediately - (541) 241-8680
    • Monitor the animal's condition and behavior from at least 25 feet away
    • Take photos and videos
    • Contain the skunk if instructed to do so, or stay in the area until Think Wild team arrives

Please contact the wildlife hotline ASAP if you find an injured skunk - (541) 241-8680

Conflicts with Skunks?

Spraying Pets or People

If you or your pet gets sprayed by a skunk, DO NOT USE WATER to try to remove the smell. Instead, use this formula: 

  • 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • 1 tsp. liquid soap

Apply this paste to affected areas for 5 minutes, then rinse with water. Repeat as needed. 

Be skunk aware!

  • Check outdoor areas and make noises before letting pets outside (especially at dawn, night, or dusk)
  • Keep pet on a leash or use a fenced-in dog run
  • If you see a skunk, watch for stomping behavior or the skunk turning around and raising its tail - signs it's preparing to spray

Nesting in property

  • If no babies are yet present, soak a towel or tennis ball in ammonia and place in suspected den when skunk is gone
  • If babies are present, be patient and wait for the skunk family to leave on their own after about eight weeks (then close entry points)
  • Make sure you don't have exposed trash (use bungee cords over trash cans)
  • Feed pets during the day or indoors. Do not leave pet food out overnight – pet food is a huge attractant for wildlife
  • Consider removing bird feeders or make sure no seed is falling on the ground for animals to eat
  • Minimize shelter skunks to hide in by cleaning up debris piles and putting hardware cloth around base of outbuildings
  • Cover holes under decks and in siding with hardware cloth - bury edges in the ground or bend it 90 degrees to create an apron
  • Play a radio, use motion activated lights and sprinklers, bang pots and pans to scare animal off
  • Trim low vegetation that provides shelter

Reach out to our wildlife services program for a free phone or email consultation or to schedule an in-person visit.