Even though they can be a nuisance, they are beneficial. Two species of skunks are found in Kansas but the most common one is the Striped Skunk. It has shiny black fur with two stripes down its back and adults are 20 to 30 inches long including the tail and usually weigh between 3½ to 10 pounds.

 

K-State Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent Adaven Scronce says even though skunks are generally disliked because of their pungent odor, they are beneficial.

 

If you or your pet ever happened to get sprayed by a skunk, it is difficult to neutralize the odor and can persist for a long time. Scronce says there are a few things you can use to help with the odor.

 

Scronce also said to help prevent skunks from living close to your home, you should clean up and destroy dens and remove food sources by taking away exposed pet food and carrying off woodpiles that could be harboring mice and rats.

 

For more information on skunk prevention, you can contact Scronce at the Independence Wildcat District Extention office at 620-331-2690.