Identification
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | Roughly house-cat sized but lower-slung with wider hindquarters. |
| Fur | Black with white stripe on head that often splits into two stripes along back. |
| Tail | Bushy, mixed black and white. |
| Feet | Strong claws for digging lawns and garden beds. |
| Smell | Musky even when not spraying; spray is sulphur-thiol intense. |
| Tracks | Five toes; heel pad visible in soft soil. |
Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are familiar across Metro Vancouver’s suburbs. They dig for insect larvae in lawns, raid unsecured compost, and den under low decks where soil can be excavated. Dogs that corner skunks often trigger sprays that linger for days on fur and structures.
Behaviour & Habits
Primarily nocturnal, though hungry juveniles or disturbed animals appear in twilight. They stamp forefeet before spraying as a warning. Mating season behaviour increases road crossings and dog encounters in late winter through spring. Under-deck dens may host litters—timing affects humane eviction legality.
Health & Property Risks
⚠ Health risk — professional removal recommended. Skunks are rabies-vector species under BC surveillance; spray causes intense odour and eye irritation; pets may need veterinary help after direct hits.
Property issues include torn sod, undermined deck posts from digging, and oily spray residue on foundations.
Prevention
- Install buried hardware cloth skirts on decks and sheds after professional design.
- Secure compost; use critter-resistant bins.
- Leash dogs at night near known dens.
- Reduce grub populations in lawns when landscaping plans allow.
- Close garage doors at dusk.
How We Treat Striped Skunks
We locate dens, assess young-at-den timing, then use eviction tools allowed in BC—often one-way doors paired with buried screening once animals are out. We set realistic odour timelines and cleaning expectations. Follow-up checks for re-digging.
See skunk control service for Greater Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Tomato juice for dogs?
A: Modern de-skunk mixes work better; ask your veterinarian.
Q: Will they spray without warning?
A: Usually foot-stomp and posture precede spray unless surprised.
Q: Relocate?
A: BC rules limit translocation; professionals follow guidance.
Q: Winter dormant?
A: They may den communally but do not true hibernate everywhere; mild coast winters keep occasional activity.
Q: Rabies signs?
A: Report abnormal behaviour to conservation authorities; do not approach.
Q: Lawn grubs?
A: Skunks dig for them; turf care can reduce attraction over seasons.
Professional Skunk Control
Striped Skunk problems in Greater Vancouver require a systematic approach — inspection of the full property, elimination of the root cause, and documented follow-up. Our skunk control service covers all of this.
View Skunk Control