You may walk out the door one day and get a whiff of the tell-tale sign that a skunk has been nearby. Skunks spray their musk to defend themselves or mark their territory. The smell will dissipate on its own after a few days, faster if there’s rain. Skunks are a natural part of the Illinois landscape, so unless the skunk is causing damage, nothing needs to be done. Click HERE for more information about striped skunks.
If your pet gets sprayed by a skunk you can use this recipe to lessen the smell:
Mix 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, 1⁄4 cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon liquid soap. Do not add water. This solution can be used to wash skin, clothes, or pets that have been sprayed by skunks. Due to the peroxide, the solution may discolor cloth or lighten the fur of pets. Do not use the solution on your pet’s face near their eyes as it may cause irritation.
Photo: DuPage County Forest Preserve District
The Wildlife Illinois website was authorized by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in partial fulfillment of project W-147-T. The website was developed by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, 2wav, and the IDNR in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services and University of Illinois Extension to provide research-based information about how to coexist with Illinois wildlife.
