Aitkin, Carlton and W St. Louis Counties including; GOODLAND RESIDENTS:
7/30/2020 (Permalink)
When these little critters feel threatened, they will protect themselves by spraying a very potent liquid at the targeted threat. They can spray up to 15' away. It is so powerful that when the smell hits you, it feels like running into a brick wall. It stops you short and can cause temporary blindness and a lingering stench, depending on the level of spray from a light haze to a full on blast.
To avoid being sprayed by a skunk:
- Be cautious walking at night as that is when they like to wander about.
- Keep your dog on a leash
- Make your presence be known as skunks have poor eyesight. You don't want to surprise one.
- If you spot one, back up slowly and leave at the first warning sign.
- Know the warning signs:
- The skunk freezes
- The skunk does a headstand
- The skunk rears up
- The skunk stomps his front feet
- The tail goes straight up