Controlling skunks

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Radio interview source: Jim Pease, Extension wildlife specialist, Iowa State University

When I was a kid, one of my favorite cartoons was that dashing little skunk, Pepe Le Pew. His suave demeanor and the way he had with the lady cats were hysterical. But, he can stay in cartoon-land. I don't want him messing with my cats or showing off his cologne. I occasionally see skunks in my strawberry patch. I'm always concerned about rabies, so I leave them alone.

Iowa State Extension Wildlife Specialist Jim Pease says if skunks are lurking around your place, it's because you have something they want.

"They'll take advantage of a deck to hide under, food left out for them -- even though it's not for them -- or water sources," Pease says.

Cat food is one of their favorite entrees, and they tend get along fairly well with felines. Dogs, on the other hand, are a bit too curious, and they can get into some stinking trouble. If the skunk is frightened or annoyed, it gives fair warning first. It will growl, stamp its feet, stand on its hind legs, and spit! If those techniques don't work, up goes the tail and out comes a caustic cloud.