Are Skunks Good Pets?

In short, the answer is no. Skunks do not make good pets. While they do look cute and cuddly from a distance, skunks are still wild animals that can not be domesticated.

Skunks are intelligent creatures, but they also have very poor eyesight. Skunks are near-sighted, so they can’t see things in the distance very well. This gives them a tendency to startle easily and startling a skunk can be dangerous.

The thing is that there are two different types of skunks. There are wild skunks and domesticated skunks. You should never attempt to keep a wild skunk as a pet. It just does not work out. Most often, either the person ends up getting hurt or the skunks dies because it does not have the proper care.



Wild Skunks

Wild skunks can not be domesticated. They can also carry a number of diseases, including rabies. Most of these diseases can be transmitted to humans and household pets. Some of these diseases can be debilitating or fatal.

Wild skunks also have their odor glans which secrete a horrible smelling liquid. When skunks feel threatened or scared, they spray the liquid from just beneath their tails. This liquid stings the skin and can cause temporary blindness if it gets into the eyes. This gives them time to get away from predators as the odor secreting liquid is a skunk’s only defense.

There is also the matter of the state and local laws surrounding this creature. These laws are for your protection and must be adhered to. In some states it is illegal to own a skunk at all, whether it is wild or domesticated.

Domesticated Skunks

There are domesticated skunks that have been bread in captivity for years but that doesn’t make them good pets. Domesticated skunks do not have odor glands but that won’t stop them from trying to spray. While domesticated skunks can be very affectionate, they can also have a great deal of separation anxiety. These animals will love you and cuddle with you when you are home, but they become very agitated when you leave. A reckless, agitated skunk can do a lot of damage to your home.

A skunk’s fingers are very agile, and they are intelligent creatures. This combination gives domesticated skunks the ability to open refrigerators, cupboards and drawers. They make really make a mess of things. Even domesticated skunks require a lot of attention and a very special diet. Contrary to popular belief, they need much more than dog food to thrive. Skunks, neither wild nor domesticated, just do not make good pets at all.


Visit our Wildlife Trapper Beaufort home page to learn more about us.