CritterChatter™ Blog
The Reason Why Love Stinks Around The Metro Area
WESTMINSTER, CO - With Valentine's Day right around the corner, love is in the air... and it stinks!
Many of our viewers have asked us why they smell a stinky, staunch scent around their neighborhoods recently and experts tell us it has to do with love.
Valentine's Day happens to fall right in the middle of mating season for skunks.
"During the mating season the males tend to be a little more aggressive towards people and pets. So that would account for the increased number of aromatic presence that you're getting from the skunks," Mark Stevens, a specialist with Critter Control, said.
Stevens says skunks never spray as a way of luring a mate. It's only used a defense mechanism.
Skunks breed in February and March.
"They actually breed in groups. They're not monogamous," Stevens said.
It takes about 62 to 67 days for babies to be born, Stevens added. Female skunks can conceive more than dozen babies per litter.
"It's a myth that babies can't spray, but they can," Stevens said.
Skunks have poor eye sight and tend to come out when it's dark. If you ever run into one, Stevens says you should back away slowly.
Credits: By Kevin Torres - www.9news.com
