In a world full of conventional animals as pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, monkeys, parrots, etc, Having a novelty animal such as a skunk as a pet will be out of the norm.
Novelty animals such as exotic pets like armadillos have distinctive characteristics and behaviors that can be captivating.
Read here to learn more about exotic and rare pets like an armadillo.
Skunks just like armadillos are also exotic pets and rare breeds.
What Are Skunks:
Skunks are small to medium animals that can make great pets when born and raised as domesticated animals.
They do share some similiar characteristics with other domesticated animals such as cats.
They are as curious as cats when they are in a new environment.
Skunks are also burrowers just like an armadillo.
They live in burrows which might prove a little difficulty in having them as household pets.
They are also nocturnal animals like the armadillos that spend most of the day resting or sleeping and become active at night.
Physical Attributes:
Scientific Name: Mephitis mephitis.
Skunks are of different species but generally have a bright white stripe running from their head to their lower body region, usually their tail.
They have black fur but some rare species might have different color patterns.
Their adult size is 15-31 inches long including their tail.
Species Of Skunks:
Spunks just like other animals are of different known species.
These species are distinctive in their physical attributes. The different species of skunks are;
- Spotted Skunks: They have an iconic white stripes but with more patterns
- Hooded Skunks: They have a black large patch that forms a hood-like marking around their head and shoulder region.
- Striped Skunks: They are the most recognizable of all species of skunks. They are known for their iconic white stripes.
Should you keep a Skunk as a Pet?
Yes, you can keep a skunk as a pet but just like the armadillos, they are not advised as a first-time pet.
They are calm, intelligent, curious, friendly, and playful.
They are omnivorous animals. Their diets consist of both plants and animal matter which can easily be sourced by a pet-owner.
Skunks can feed on insects, smaller animals, eggs, carrion, worms, vegetables, nuts, etc.
Their variety of diets has enabled them to adapt and live in different environments and households as pets.
However, if you want to keep a rare breed of animal such as a skunk as a pet, here are necessary considerations before adopting one
Legal Considerations:
Before owning any exotic animal as a pet, it is important to verify with the regional and local authorities, the legality of owning them as a pet.
In some places such as Canada, it is illegal to keep a skunk as a pet. While in other areas, it is necessary to have a permit first.
In the United States, certain states allow ownership of a skunk as a pet. These states are;
- Michigan
- Kentucky
- South Dakota
- Ohio
- New York
- Pennslyvania
- Oregon
- New Mexico
- Indiana
- New Jersey
- Wyoming
- Oklahoma
- West Virginia
- New hemisphere
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Florida
- Massachusetts.
It is best advised to adopt a skunk from an animal shelter or breeder that has been certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Spraying:
Skunks are popularly known for their inherent ability to produce a foul-smelling odor from their anal glands.
This is done to protect them against predators in the wild.
The foul-smelling excreted from their anal glands is unpleasant and when they are domesticated as pets can make them unhabitable with humans and other animals.
However, they can be de-scented surgically which is a controversial process that leaves them with little or no defensive mechanism against predators.
When they get lost which is a possibility for all pet animals, they become defenseless against predators.
The procedure to descent a skunk also has certain health risks
Other considerations:
Taking proper care of an animal most especially a skunk, is not a walk in the park.
They require specialized care because of their specific dietary, behavioral, and healthcare needs.
Finding an experienced veterinarian who can take care of a skunk might be a problem in some localities.
It is greatly advised to have a vet that can be easily accessible before owning a pet such as a skunk because they are susceptible to diseases such as;
- Diabetes
- Dental infection
- Obesity
- Respiratory infections
- Digestive issues
- Metabolic disorders
- Viral diseases such as rabies
- Reproductory issues
- Cardiac diseases.
Proper care and regular check-ups are required for their general well-being.
Also, their formulated foods are not easily accessible in all areas. It is important to have a regular and steady supply of their meals before adoption.
Skunks just like other animals require love, care, affection, and attention. Before adopting one you must be aware and able to deal with their behavioral patterns.
Skunks are not like dogs or other pets that can be caged at least, not for long hours.
They require space for them to burrow, play, and express their curiosity.
They are quite adventurous and can be mischievous in households.
Skunk As A Pet:
Skunks are lively and active animals at night but can be trained from a young age to adapt to the human day schedule.
They are friendly, playful, and sneaky, They can easily access all areas in a house if they are not put in a confined space.
Their intelligence allows them to easily learn how to access and eat food from the shelves, the fridge, and food garbage.
They love to play with toys and if not available or accessible, they can play and destroy priced furniture and items.
Skunks can also be trained to use a litter box similar to cats.
However, you have to be patient and consistent in their training before they can successfully use a litter box.
Having a skunk as a pet can be a learning opportunity and their distinctive character offers a different kind of companionship from other common pets such as dogs, cats, etc.
They are icebreakers and conversation starters which are good for quiet households.