Skunks are mammals that are found throughout the United States. As humans encroach on their habitat, they have become a pest. They enter the property of people in order to find food. They are well-known for spraying people and animals with a foul-smelling liquid if they feel threatened. They are also believed to be rabid. This is not the case. All skunks are not infected with rabies.



Nocturnal
Pueblo skunks are nocturnal creatures. This means that they are more active at night than during the day. Skunks that are seen roaming the day are not necessarily infected with rabies. However, it is not a common occurrence, and you need to be careful. It is one of the warning signs of rabid skunks. Make sure to check whether the skunk is aggressive or salivating excessively. If it isn’t, just leave it be.

Rabid skunks
Rabid Colorado skunks lose all fear of humans. They are not aggressive or confrontational creatures. If they are infected with the rabies virus, they become very dangerous. Make sure to stay out of their way and contact animal control if you do come across a rabid skunk.

Other reasons
• Hunger. The main reason for a Pueblo skunk to be out during the day is that it is hungry. Orphaned babies will venture out on their own to try and find food. If a skunk has been unable to find food during the night, it will also continue looking during daylight hours.
• Pregnant females. Pregnant skunks or skunks that have just given birth are more likely to be out during the day. They will be looking for food while their pups sleep.
• Urban skunks. Skunks are very adaptable creatures. If they live in urban areas, they may have realized that they are able to find more food during the day than at night.
• It might be sick. Keep an eye on the animal. It might be sick and looking for help.

What to do
If you have monitored to Colorado skunk and determined it is not rabid, leave it. It will eventually return to its nest without your help. Keep an eye on baby skunks that are out during the day. They might be orphaned and starving. If that is the case, phone a wildlife conservation center near you. They will come and fetch the babies and look after them.

Visit our Pueblo wildlife control home page to learn more about us.