Striped Skunks - Skunks as Pets
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Photo source:
Study of Northern Virginia Ecology
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If the musk glands are removed, young Striped Skunks make friendly pets. Thousands of homes in the USA keep Skunks of various species, but not all states allow them to be kept. Even in the states where it is legal, if there is a question of rabies, the Skunk will be killed, because it bites while playing. The main reason for this is that there is no Skunk rabies vaccine and no quarantine period set up for skunks.
The removal of Skunks from the wild isn't sanctioned, because there is no way to ensure that the Striped Skunk has not been exposed to rabies. Domestic Striped Skunks should be obtained from reputable breeders. Domestic Skunks can come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Striped Skunks - Management
Wild Striped Skunks are "sanitation engineers". They rid their territory of rats, mice, cockroaches, garden pests, poisonous animals (rattlesnakes, black widow spider, scorpions), and road carrion that spreads diseases.
Little habitat management occurs for Striped Skunks. Practices aimed at improving conditions of other animals are good for Skunks as well. Soil conservation provides food for them. "No-till" technique instead of plowing benefits wildlife in general and Striped Skunks in particular by leaving stalks, leaves and waste grains in the field.
Striped Skunks - Management Links
Eastern Striped Skunk Fact Sheet - Striped Skunks management in Connecticut.
Game Commission Wildlife Management - General information on the role of Skunks in the wild.
Managing Skunk Problems in Missouri - Skunk damage assessment and odor control are described.
Rabies in Skunks - A research on the Skunk mortality of rabies.
Skunk Animal Damage Control & Wildlife Management Colorado - Read about the damage Skunks make and how to cope with it.
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Photo source:
Study of Northern Virginia Ecology
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Skunk Ecology and Damage Management Techniques for Homeowners - Presents biological description and economic impact of Striped and Spotted Skunks on the farms.
Skunk Removal - A survey on the Skunk removal and its influence on the wildlife.
Skunk species account from Illinois - Learn about distribution and abundance of Striped Skunks.
Skunk Traps - Live traps for the homeowner, procedures and instructions on wildlife trapping , bird traps,animal traps with images to show you how, raccoon traps,squirrel traps,skunk traps.
Species-Specific Management (SSM) - Skunk management program in Virginia.
Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) Species Account - Terrestrial ecology and conservation biology of Skunks.
Striped Skunk and Other Animals - A regulation program for Raccoons, Opossums, and Striped Skunks.
The Baltimore Zoo - A general description of the Skunk kept in the zoo.
The Small Carnivore TAG - Who Are We? - Presents the status of Striped Skunks.
Wildlife Damage Management Series - Skunk problems and management in North America.
Striped Skunks - Housing Links
ADSA Home Page - American Domestic Skunk Association's page contains information on Skunks as pets and Skunk Championships.
Carnivores - Gives tips on raising young Skunks.
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Photo source:
Study of Northern Virginia Ecology
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Legal? - A great site for Skunk owners, including housing tips and the list of stated where Skunk keeping is legal.
Living with Skunks - Describes Striped Skunks as pets.
Project Wildlife: Living with Skunks - Tells about Skunks living near people.
Removing skunk odor - Skunks and pets do not mix. Learn how to combat the odor and relieve your pet's new scent.
Striped Skunk - Tells about citizens' responsibility concerning Skunks.
Stripped Skunk in New York - Read about handling trapped Skunks.
