Skunks

Skunks are a rabies vector species, and are illegal to possess without a special permit in California and most states. Anyone who gets bitten while handling a skunk should notify their physician and public health department within 24 hours, and the skunk should be held for testing and not handled.

Any skunk with paralysis, unsteadiness, discharges from nose and eyes or unusual behavior may be suffering from distemper, encephalitis, rabies or other diseases. Contact your local department of Animal Control for advice if an animal with these symptoms is seen.

Orphaned Baby Skunks

• Always wear gloves (latex or vinyl) when handling baby skunks!
• Baby skunks whose eyes are still closed and whose fur is still short should be kept warm in a cardboard box lined with a towel.
• Place the box on a heating pad set so that the temperature inside the box is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Do not feed or handle the baby skunks once you have them contained.

If you have found a wild animal that appears to be sick, injured, abandoned or in danger...
Please call our emergency hotline number: 310.458.WILD [9453]!