Skunk mating season brings chaos to CA neighborhood
A striped skunk trots in the grass. Shutterstock / Jemini Joseph
A strong odor has been drifting through parts of San Rafael and nearby neighborhoods this Valentine’s Day, leaving some Northern California residents wondering what’s behind the unwelcome scent.
The answer, wildlife experts say, comes down to romance in the animal world.
Female Striped skunk are currently in their mating season, which runs from January to March. When persistent males approach and the females aren’t interested, the response is immediate and unmistakable: a blast of defensive spray. By late spring, typically around May, skunk kits are born.
Melanie Piazza, director of animal care and hospital operations at WildCare, explained to SFGATE that the spray isn’t just for predators. It also serves as a firm rejection during mating pursuits. Striped skunks are common across California and are different from the less frequently seen spotted skunks.
These animals are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on whatever is readily available, including insects and small pests such as wasps, voles, slugs, and mice. Still, the smell has prompted calls to WildCare from residents hoping for relief.
The organization’s message has been simple: this phase won’t last long. Piazza says the heavy spraying is temporary and will taper off once the animals pair up. After mating, females retreat to dens to prepare for their young.
Wildlife experts also urge residents not to place rat traps outdoors where skunks might be injured, and to use caution when sealing crawl spaces to avoid trapping an animal inside. Turning on outdoor lights and making noise can also help prevent surprising a skunk and risking a pet getting sprayed.
According to Nola Woods, spokesperson for the Contra Costa County Mosquito and Vector Control District, rabies cases involving skunks are uncommon. Instead of worrying, she recommends homeowners focus on securing their properties so skunks are less likely to wander into yards and crawl spaces in the first place.
Until mating season winds down, however, the scent of skunk courtship may continue to linger in the air.
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