The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recorded 1,494 cases of rabies in skunks in the United States for the year 2006 - about 21.5% of reported cases in all species. Mid-winter warm spells bring them out for hunting forays. The most prevalent cause of skunks biting humans is the rabies virus. In early winter, skunks den up and become inactive, but they do not actually hibernate. While a domesticated skunk with its scent glands removed may defend itself by biting, there are few recorded incidents. It is rare for a healthy skunk to bite a human. It wakes up often and may leave the den to search for small animals, berries or seeds to eat. During the winter the skunk sleeps and lives off of the stored body fat. The mothers and kits move into large dens and snuggle together to keep warm. In the fall the skunk eats a lot and grows a thick coat. The mother skunk takes them out to hunt with her at night.
Some hibernators are better known than others. In 2 months they are no longer fed the mother's milk. That leaves the rest of every kind of living creature in the north with just one choice: hibernate or perish. The babies are skinny, blind, hairless and without teeth. All of them should be avoided, whether you see them in. Additionally, they don't hibernate throughout the winter. The female may have 4 to 8 babies (kits) in late April or early May. Raccoons do not truly hibernate in winter, but hole up for days, weeks, or even months, depending on the weather. Raccoons, skunks and opossums are nocturnal creatures and skilled climbers. When a badger, coyote, bobcat, fox, eagle or large owl is hungry enough, it will attack the skunk. Out comes a terrible-smelling yellow mist. Then the skunk swings its rear end around, lifts its tail up out of the way and shoots. If you have chickens or bees, their eggs or honey might disappear as well. You may find skunk droppings, a lingering odor, staggered tracks, signs of scavenging, and fur nearby. It stiffens its legs, stamps the ground with its feet, snaps its teeth, and its hairs stand up. Skunks often make their dens in pre-existing burrows or under buildings and inside barns, with a smooth, clear entrance. Raccoons do not hibernate, but they do go through a period of decreased activity during the. First, it gives a warning when something approaches. Females give birth to an average litter of 3-4 babies each Spring.
The skunk has musk glands and can shoot a liquid that has an awful odor. It sniffs out meadow mice, gophers, moles, squirrels and chipmunks. Skunks hunts at night, walking slowly along, catching insects and looking for small fruit.
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