Are There Skunks In New Mexico? Yes, skunks are indeed residents of New Mexico, and understanding their presence is essential for all visitors, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community seeking to safely enjoy the state’s natural beauty, and this guide will tell you more about that; gaymexico.net provides even greater detail on navigating Mexico with confidence and pride. This guide will help you identify these animals, understand their behavior, and manage encounters while you explore the Land of Enchantment.
1. What Skunk Species Live in New Mexico?
Four skunk species call New Mexico home: striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), western spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis), hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus leuconotus), and hooded skunks (Mephitis macroura). While striped and spotted skunks are more commonly seen, hog-nosed and hooded skunks also reside in the state, though less frequently encountered.
1.1. Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
The striped skunk, New Mexico’s most common skunk, is identifiable by its jet-black fur marked by prominent, longitudinal white stripes that run from the neck along the length of the back, often splitting into a V-shape toward the rear, and commonly a prominent white stripe on their snout and forehead. These skunks are stout animals with small ears, short legs, and well-developed claws for digging, roughly the size of a house cat, ranging from 18–32 inches in total length and weighing around 8 pounds, though they can lose up to half their body weight over winter.
1.2. Western Spotted Skunk (Spilogale gracilis)
The western spotted skunk is smaller and more slender than the striped skunk, with a total length varying between 14–18 inches and a weight ranging from less than 1 pound to about 1.5 pounds, easily identifiable by its black fur with distinctive white marks on the forehead and parallel white stripes running down the neck and about halfway down the back. A distinctive pattern of white stripes on the front half of the body, parallel stripes on the back, and spots on the upper thigh and each side of the tail marks this skunk.
1.3. Hog-Nosed Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus)
The hog-nosed skunk, named for its prominent naked nose pad, usually has a white, wedge-shaped stripe that extends onto its back, which may be solid white or split into two stripes. Typically found in the southern portion of New Mexico and east of the Rio Grande, the hog-nosed skunk is now largely absent from the Rio Grande Valley. With a total body length of about 17–37 inches and a weight of 2–10 pounds, these skunks have stocky legs and long front claws adapted for digging.
1.4. Hooded Skunk (Mephitis macroura)
The hooded skunk looks similar to the striped skunk but has long hairs on the back of the neck and head that form a hood. Their tails tend to be long and mixed with white and black hairs. Generally smaller and slimmer than striped skunks but larger than spotted skunks, hooded skunks range in total length from about 22–31 inches and weigh from less than 1 pound to about 6 pounds, they feature longer tails and fur than other skunk species. It is most often observed in the southwestern portion of the state. Their color patterns vary, including white-backed, black-backed, and solid black variations, with white-backed skunks having white along the back from behind the ears to the base or end of the tail.
1.5. Color Variation in Skunks
Coloration in skunks is highly variable, ranging from solid black to nearly all white, regardless of the species, so knowing general size and stripe patterns is helpful for identification.
2. Where Do Skunks Live in New Mexico?
Skunks in the U.S. Southwest inhabit diverse environments, including woodlands, grasslands, deserts, agricultural areas, suburban areas, and urban areas, they commonly den in burrows, rock crevices, hollow logs, debris piles, under buildings, or even in abandoned vehicles.
2.1. Habitat Preferences
Skunks are found in rocky bluffs, brush-bordered agricultural fields, vegetated streambeds and riparian areas, arid lowlands, forests, mesquite grasslands, scrub-cactus rangelands, and livestock pastures. Western spotted skunks may also climb trees and use hollow limbs as dens.
2.2. Skunks and Human Environments
While striped and spotted skunks are known to live in close association with humans, hooded and hog-nosed skunks are less attracted to human environments. Skunks live at elevations ranging from sea level to greater than 10,000 feet but are typically found at elevations less than 8,000 feet.
2.3. Home Range
The home ranges of skunks are typically 0.5–2.0 miles in diameter and vary depending on location and habitat quality, while spotted skunks tend to have smaller home range sizes than striped skunks.
3. What Do Skunks Eat?
Skunks are opportunistic feeders and omnivores, meaning they adapt their diets to whatever food source is readily available.
3.1. Summer Diet
During the summer, skunks eat large quantities of insects, including grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, worms, and grubs. They also consume crayfish and scorpions, as well as amphibians, reptiles, and carrion.
3.2. Cooler Months Diet
During cooler months, skunks eat mice, voles, rats, and other small mammals, as well as birds and eggs.
3.3. Plant Foods
While typically comprising a lesser portion of their diet, skunks also eat plant foods in the form of foliage, roots, seeds, nuts, and fruits.
3.4. Skunks and Human Food Sources
When they live near humans, skunks also eat garbage and other refuse when available, making it important to secure trash properly.
4. Understanding Skunk Behavior
Skunks are primarily nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night, however, they may also be crepuscular, meaning they are active at dawn and dusk.
4.1. Nocturnal and Crepuscular Activity
Hog-nosed skunks have been observed feeding during daylight hours in winter and summer months in Texas. Skunks observed during daylight may be sick and should not be approached.
4.2. Social Behavior
Skunks tend to be solitary, except for females with the young of the year, but during the coldest part of the winter, skunks become dormant and may reside in communal dens with several other individuals. Spotted skunk winter den sites have been reported to hold up to 20 females.
4.3. Winter Dormancy
Male skunks tend to remain active unless weather is especially adverse. Skunks may not become dormant in areas that do not have a cold winter period.
4.4. Lifespan
Maximum lifespan of wild skunks ranges from 3–7 years, with the majority of skunks living less than one year. Male skunks are larger than females.
5. Skunk Reproduction
Skunks reproduce once per year, and litter size varies depending on species. Young skunks are altricial, meaning they are born naked and blind and require parental care for the first few weeks of life.
5.1. Breeding Seasons
Breeding season for striped skunks is February through April, western spotted skunks breed in September and October, and hooded and hog-nosed skunks breed from February through March.
5.2. Mating Behavior
During the breeding season, males often travel greater distances than normal as they search for possible mates. Female skunks tend to aggressively resist male skunks unless receptive to breeding.
5.3. Gestation and Parturition
Skunks may delay implantation of the embryo from a few days to several months depending on species; this accounts for the early breeding season and long gestation estimated for western spotted skunks.
Table 1. Estimated Breeding Season, Gestation, Parturition (Birth), Range of Number of Offspring, and Age at Sexual Maturity for Four Skunk Species Found in New Mexico
| Striped skunk | Western spotted skunk | Hooded skunk | Hog-nosed skunk | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breeding season | Feb.–Apr. | Sep.–Oct. | Feb.–Mar. | Feb.–Mar. |
| Gestation (days) | 59–77 | 210–230 | 60 | 60 |
| Parturition | Apr.–Jun. | Apr.–May | Apr.–May | Apr.–May |
| Number of offspring | 5–9 | 1–6 | 3–6 | 2–5 |
| Age at sexual maturity (months) | 10 | 4–5 | 10 | 10–11 |
5.4. Predators
Predators of skunks include humans, great horned owls, golden eagles, bald eagles, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, gray and red foxes, and American badgers. Birds of prey appear unaffected by skunk musk.
5.5. Skunk Defense Mechanism
Skunks are often described as docile or self-absorbed because they tend to ignore other animals. Despite their apparent indifference, skunks are known to defend themselves by accurately discharging a concentrated musk.
6. Skunk Defense Mechanisms
Skunks tend to be docile and may not acknowledge human presence until they feel threatened, and it is possible to approach a skunk closely before they react.
6.1. Skunk Musk
All skunks have the ability to discharge a powerful and nauseating yellow musk from a pair of enlarged anal glands, which they can discharge multiple times.
6.2. Chemical Composition
Skunk musk contains a sulfur-based organic molecule called a thiol, which is responsible for the intense scent, also found in onions, garlic, rotting flesh, natural gas (added), and petroleum.
6.3. Effects of Skunk Musk
Skunk musk may cause severe burning and tear production upon entering the eyes, making it difficult to see for several minutes, while breathing, especially through the nose, may be difficult as well, thus enabling skunks to escape predators.
6.4. Pre-Spray Behaviors
Skunks exhibit a variety of behaviors before spraying a potential predator; if time allows, they may run away and hide, but more often, they will turn and face the threat, stomp their forefeet, raise up on their hind feet, and drop-stomp their forefeet while hissing loudly.
6.5. Defensive Postures
They may charge toward the threat and click their teeth, usually raising their tails up or laying their raised tail along their back, and they may turn their hindquarters toward the threat, creating a tight U-shape with their body, before spraying. Spotted skunks are known for performing handstands and bending their hindquarters over their head to point at the threat.
6.6. Other Warning Signs
Other behaviors include scratching at the ground and throwing debris, hissing, and baring their teeth. Skunks may spray a mist while running away or produce a highly accurate stream aimed at the threat.
6.7. What to Do When Encountering a Skunk
If you encounter a skunk showing signs of spraying, retreat slowly and quietly while avoiding sudden movements and loud noises.
7. How to Remove Skunk Odor
Skunk musk is persistent and may be nauseating to some; luckily, there are several effective ways to remove the odor.
7.1. Cleaning Hard Surfaces
Cleaning hard surfaces with a mild bleach solution helps break down the potent thiols; other household cleaners may also be useful. Musk sprayed on hard surfaces may remain pungent for several days but will dissipate.
7.2. Ventilating Enclosed Spaces
If a skunk has sprayed under a structure, place fans in front of openings or vents to create a cross draft to help ventilate the area.
7.3. Treating Clothing Outdoors
If recreating outdoors, smoke sprayed clothing over cedar, juniper, or other aromatic-wood fires.
7.4. Absorbent Surfaces
For absorbent surfaces, such as clothing, human skin, and animal fur, the musk soaks in, contributing to its persistence. After cleaning, absorbent materials may smell better when dry, only to express the musk scent again when wetted.
7.5. Commercial Odor Removers
Commercial odor removers to remove most of the scent from absorbent surfaces are readily available at pet stores, feed stores, or online, and it’s important to read the label carefully before applying it to your person, clothes, or a pet to reduce the chance of harm or unintended consequences.
7.6. The Skunk Remedy Recipe
A proven home remedy developed by Paul Krebaum removes skunk scent by oxidizing the pungent molecules in skunk musk:
The Skunk Remedy Recipe
In a plastic bucket, mix well the following ingredients:
- 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 to 2 teaspoons liquid soap
For large pets, one quart of tepid tap water may be added to enable complete coverage.
8. Benefits of Skunks
Skunks should not be needlessly destroyed; if possible, leave skunks alone to go on their way, as they offer several benefits to the environment.
8.1. Pest Control
Skunks’ food habits are beneficial to humans because they feed on insects, including those that are agricultural and garden pests, such as white grubs, cutworms, and potato beetle grubs.
8.2. Rodent Control
Outside the growing season, skunks’ diets change, and they rely more on rats, mice, and other rodents that may cause damage or be a nuisance.
8.3. Effective Exclusion and Habitat Modification
With effective exclusion and habitat modification, skunks will be visitors instead of unwelcome residents.
9. Assessing Skunk Damage
Skunks become nuisances when their burrowing and feeding habits conflict with people, or they spray pets or people.
9.1. Burrowing and Denning
They may burrow under foundations or occupy existing spaces under structures, and garbage or refuse left outdoors may also be disturbed or scattered by skunks.
9.2. Garden Damage
Sometimes skunks will feed on garden crops in suburban and urban areas. They dig holes in lawn turf, golf courses, and gardens to search for insect grubs found beneath the surface.
9.3. Agricultural Damage
Skunks have been known to kill poultry and eat eggs, and they may feed on corn during the milk stage, generally eating only on the lower ears and shredding the husks.
9.4. Damage to Beehives
Skunks may damage beehives by trying to feed on bees, with damage potentially including claw damage to the bottomboard entrance or on the lower part of the hive box above the entrance.
9.5. Identifying Skunk Activity
Identifying skunk activity involves looking for specific signs and patterns of damage that are characteristic of skunks, as well as understanding their behavior and habitat preferences; this can help distinguish their activity from that of other animals.
9.6. Differences from Other Animals
Loss of poultry enclosed by fencing may be the work of rats, weasels, mink, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, or raccoons, while multiple poultry killed in a single attack are more likely the result of weasels or raccoons.
9.7. Skunk Predation Patterns
When skunks raid chicken coops, they typically focus on eggs rather than poultry, and when they do kill poultry, it is typically one or two birds, usually feeding on the head and neck.
9.8. Identifying Den Locations
In and around the home, skunks may den under steps, along a foundation, under porches, under trailers with solid skirting, or under debris piles. If you suspect a skunk may be denning on your property, check around the foundations of structures and around debris piles to locate possible den openings.
9.9. Recognizing Skunk Tracks
Tracks can be used to identify the animal causing damage, both the hind and forefeet of skunks have five toes, however, the fifth toe may not be obvious in a light track. Claw marks will be easily visible, and the heels of the forefeet are normally not imprinted. The hind feet tracks are approximately 2.5 inches long for larger species.
9.10. Skunk Droppings
Skunk droppings are usually not observed, look similar to cat droppings, and differ by content since they may include insect parts. Presence or absence of odor is not a reliable indicator of skunk presence or activity.
9.11. Health Concerns
Skunks are associated with a variety of parasites and diseases that can affect humans and domestic animals, including fleas, lice, mites, ticks, botfly larvae, intestinal roundworms, ringworms, subcutaneous nematodes, and helminths, as well as diseases like rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus, leptospirosis, and tularemia.
9.12. Recognizing Rabid Skunks
Rabid skunks may not show symptoms for several days or even weeks, so take care to avoid overly aggressive skunks that approach without hesitation, and any skunk showing abnormal behavior, such as daytime activity, tameness, or listlessness, should be treated with caution and avoided if possible.
10. Safety Precautions When Dealing With Skunks
When working in areas frequented by skunks, handling materials exposed to skunks, or handling skunk carcasses, take appropriate safety precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to diseases and parasites.
10.1. Using Protective Gear
Wear latex, nitrile, or similar impermeable disposable gloves.
10.2. Handling Materials and Carcasses
Bag materials or carcasses by handling with a plastic bag and turning the bag out on itself prior to sealing; place this bag in a second bag, add your disposable gloves, and then seal and place in the trash. Another carcass disposal method is deep burial, checking local laws to determine what constitutes a deep burial.
10.3. Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when the task is complete.
10.4. Addressing Bites
If you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately, and if possible, contact appropriate authorities to capture the skunk.
10.5. Submitting Skunks for Testing
If you shoot the skunk, do not damage the head because the animal must be submitted to the New Mexico Department of Health’s Scientific Laboratory Division in Albuquerque for testing, obtaining specific mailing instructions before submitting specimens.
10.6. Post-Exposure Care
Post-exposure preventive care may be administered based on a medical doctor’s determination.
11. Skunk Damage Management
Sanitization is an effective approach to preventing or limiting skunk problems by modifying habitat to minimize its desirability to skunks and rodents.
11.1. Habitat Modification
Habitat modification includes any activity that alters access to or availability of food, water, and shelter, with garbage, pet food, and other food sources potentially attracting skunks.
11.2. Managing Food Sources
Remove pet food and water bowls from outside when not in use, and store pet food in metal containers with tight-fitting lids, while garbage cans with tight-fitting lids prevent skunk access and subsequent scattered trash.
11.3. Rodent Control
Rodents living in barns, crawl spaces, sheds, garages, or debris piles represent a source of food that may attract skunks; managing rodent populations in these areas may be necessary and useful to reduce attraction to skunks.
11.4. Removing Potential Den Sites
Cleaning up or removing debris piles reduces or eliminates potential den sites and harborage for rodents, an important winter food source.
11.5. Storing Materials Properly
Debris, such as lumber, fence posts, stone piles, and old vehicles, provides shelter for skunks and encourages use of an area. Stacking materials such as fence posts off the ground in a neat arrangement also reduces denning sites and rodent harborage, placing materials at least 18 inches off the ground and avoiding pallets as a base.
11.6. Vegetation Management
Keep vegetation short around stacked materials, combining exclusion methods with habitat modifications to decrease the desirability of an area for skunks.
11.7. Lawn Care
Damage to lawns is often the result of grubs and other insects living in the root zone, so using insecticides on lawns should address the problem, following the label directions for the application of pesticides.
11.8. Exclusion Techniques
Exclude skunks from denning under structures by sealing all openings along the foundation, but be sure the skunks are not currently denning there; cover openings with wire mesh, sheet metal, or concrete.
11.9. Preventing Digging
Where access can be gained by digging, obstructions such as fencing should be buried to prevent entry, and exclude skunks from window wells or similar depressions with well-secured hardware cloth (also known as galvanized welded wire).
11.10. Protecting Mobile Homes
Protect mobile homes by burying fencing along the trailer skirt or placing a thick layer of 1- to 3-inch-diameter gravel in a 2- to 3-foot-wide band along the skirt’s base.
11.11. Beehive Protection
Protect beehives by placing them 3 feet off the ground, and if skunks still disturb hives, it may be necessary to place aluminum guards around the base to protect them.
11.12. Protecting Outbuildings
Protect outbuildings, such as sheds, workshops, and chicken coops, by sealing all ground-level openings into the building and closing doors at night.
11.13. Fencing
Poultry yards and coops without subsurface foundations can be fenced, burying fence skirting 6–24 inches deep, with an outward-facing flare of 6–24 inches in length.
11.14. Repellents
There are no registered repellents for skunks.
11.15. Toxicants
There are no registered toxicants for use in controlling skunks.
11.16. Managing Individual Skunks
Skunks may be caught in live traps set near the entrance of their den or near areas they are known to frequent; when more than one animal uses a den, setting several traps to reduce capture time may be advisable. Box traps can be purchased or built.
11.17. Effective Baits
Effective baits for skunks include canned fish-flavored cat food, peanut butter, sardines, and chicken entrails, but these baits may also attract non-target species, increasing the time and resources necessary to capture the intended animal.
11.18. Using Skunk-Specific Traps
Skunk-specific live traps are typically made of materials forming opaque walls to limit vision and potential spray radius, and represent a secure environment for a skunk to explore.
11.19. Humane Dispatch
If necessary, move the trapped animal to an appropriate location before humanely killing the animal. With proper training, a gunshot results in instant and humane death.
11.20. Mobile Euthanasia Chambers
Contact local animal control agencies or businesses to inquire about the availability of a mobile euthanasia chamber, which slowly replace the air with carbon monoxide, resulting in humane death.
11.21. Translocation
Live-trapped skunks should not be translocated because of the possibility of spreading rabies and other diseases.
11.22. Foothold and Conibear Traps
Foothold traps can be used to capture skunks, but caution is advised since exposure to spray may be increased when dispatching and removing the animal from the trap. Properly sized conibear traps (a type of kill trap) can be used but will kill cats and small dogs and should not be used in areas where they occur.
11.23. Removing and Excluding Skunks From Under Structures
Avoid permanently trapping an animal under a structure because it will cause inhumane death by dehydration or starvation, and odor problems may subsequently occur.
- Leave the main burrow opening undisturbed and seal all other possible entrance points along the foundation. Entrances may be temporarily sealed using large rocks or other materials.
- In front of the main opening, sprinkle a light dusting of flour on the ground about 2 feet across.
- After dark, examine the sifted flour for tracks that indicate the skunk has left. If tracks are not present, re-examine in an hour. Alternatively, you can shine a flashlight into the burrow in an attempt to observe eye-shine.
- Once the skunk has departed and the den is thought to be empty, cover the remaining entrance with hardware cloth. Bury the fencing and secure it to the sides of the structure.
- Return to the entrance the next night and shine a light into the entrance to look for eye-shine of any skunks that may be trapped. Alternatively, reopen the entrance the next day about 2 hours after dark and leave it open to allow time for remaining animals to leave. Re-seal the entrance well before dawn.
- Revisit the entrance for 2–3 days to ensure nothing has been entombed. Each time animals are observed behind the exclusion fencing, check along the base of the structure to ensure blocked side openings have not been reopened. When you are reasonably certain no animals remain under the structure, seal the entrance permanently.
11.24. One-Way Doors
Another approach to excluding resident skunks from under a structure is to place a one-way door at the burrow entrance, which are available for purchase locally or online.
11.25. Handling Skunks in Enclosed Spaces
In cases where skunks have entered a garage, cellar, or house, leave the doors open and allow the skunks to exit on their own accord, without prodding or disturbing them.
11.26. Removing Skunks from Pits
Skunks trapped in a cellar window well or similar pits may be removed by placing a board at an angle into the pit, lowering the board slowly so as not to alarm the animal, and adding cleats of wood or wire mesh to the board to increase traction.
This guide helps you navigate New Mexico with confidence, understanding the natural world and its inhabitants; for more insights on LGBTQ+ travel in Mexico, including safe and welcoming destinations, visit gaymexico.net at Address: 3255 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States, Phone: +1 (213) 380-2177, and Website: gaymexico.net.
FAQ: Skunks in New Mexico
1. Are skunks dangerous to humans?
Skunks are generally docile but can spray a nauseating musk if threatened, and they can also carry diseases like rabies. Avoid approaching them and seek medical attention if bitten.
2. What should I do if my pet gets sprayed by a skunk?
Use the Skunk Remedy Recipe (hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and liquid soap) to remove the odor, and avoid using water alone, as it can worsen the smell.
3. How can I prevent skunks from entering my property?
Seal foundation openings, remove food sources, and clear debris piles to discourage skunks from denning on your property.
4. Are skunks protected in New Mexico?
Skunks are not protected furbearers in New Mexico, but it’s essential to handle them humanely and in accordance with local regulations.
5. What do skunk tracks look like?
Skunk tracks have five toes on both hind and forefeet, with visible claw marks and the heel of the forefeet not usually imprinted.
6. How do I tell the difference between a striped skunk and a spotted skunk?
Striped skunks are larger with prominent longitudinal white stripes, while spotted skunks are smaller with broken stripes and spots on their bodies.
7. What time of year are skunks most active in New Mexico?
Skunks are active year-round but may become dormant during the coldest parts of winter, with breeding seasons varying by species.
8. Can skunks climb trees?
Western spotted skunks are known to climb trees and use hollow limbs as dens, unlike other skunk species.
9. What diseases do skunks carry?
Skunks can carry diseases such as rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus, leptospirosis, and tularemia, posing health risks to humans and domestic animals.
10. Is it safe to approach a skunk during the day?
Skunks are primarily nocturnal; daytime activity may indicate illness, such as rabies, so it’s best to avoid them.
