The striped skunk, Mephitis mephitis, is a common nocturnal animal in Ohio and is about the size of an average house cat. There is also a spotted skunk, Spilogale putorius, which is less common.

Skunks move rather slowly and deliberately and are confident in defending themselves.

They do not hibernate but instead become dormant using dens during extreme cold periods. The skunk will establish dens using hollow logs or may use an old woodchuck burrow in uninhabited forests or clearings. In urban areas, though, they might den under decks, sheds, or loose foundations.

When left undisturbed, skunks are peaceful and provide insect and rodent control.

Skunks are well known for their noxious defensive spray and odor. Skunk musk is oily and yellow tinted and stored in two sacs on opposite sides of the anus. Each of these sacs hold about a teaspoon of musk and is enough for multiple sprays. There are two ducts in the sacs that allow the skunk to adjust the spray into a stream or a mist. It is directed at a specific target and shoots up to 10 feet accurately and 20 feet with less accuracy.

Skunks spray for the main reason of defense from what it believes to be a threat. The threat could be another wild animal, human or pet.

They are particularly defensive during breeding season, which is mid to late February through April. Males compete for females or defend a harem of females from another male. If a female has already mated and a male wants to mate with her, she may spray at this time.

A way to exclude skunks from establishing a den on your property is by sealing off all openings along the foundation around your home or any building. Cover with wire mesh, sheet metal or concrete. Bury fencing 1 1/2 to 2 feet with the bottom 6 inches bent outward 90 degrees where skunks could gain access by digging. Protect window wells with mesh fencing or domes.

Proper disposal of garbage and food sources are essential to reduce skunks in your yard. Skunks are attracted to and eat rodents, which also are around the garbage area.

For further information about skunks, go to http://go.osu.edu/skunk.

For a list of nuisance wild animal control operators that can help with trapping, go to http://go.osu.edu/trapping.

Shively is an Ohio State University Mahoning County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.