Skunks: What to Do if You Are Confronted

We know how this goes, you open your door, step outside and see eyes glowing in the distance. Instinctively, you know it's a skunk. And now you are faced with a decision - should you run?

Bob Bryerton, facility coordinator at the Will County Forest Preserve District's Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher, says no.

"They don’t see very well," he said "They are easily startled because they can’t see real far either."

So, instead of running, take a wide path around them. Or retreat slowly and avoid making any sudden motions or loud noises, advises the Utah State University Extension Office.

Contrary to popular belief, spraying is not a skunk's first defense. Their initial reaction is to face whatever startled them and stomp their feet on the ground.

However, if they lift their plume in the back, they're getting ready to let you have it. And what they might lack in eyesight, they make up for in their ability to direct their spray, the Utah extension office said. Not only can they expell their spray anywhere from eight to 15 feet, they can direct it to go to either side of their body, directly behind them or in front of them.

If you smell a skunk, that doesn't necessarily mean they've just sprayed something. They carry their odor with them wherever they go.

But more on that tomorrow, when Patch explains how to tell if a skunk is living in your yard.