The idea of having an unusual pet can be intriguing, and skunks, with their distinctive appearance and reputation, sometimes come to mind. Perhaps you’ve seen skunks portrayed as pets in media, or maybe you’re simply curious about whether these creatures could be companions. If you live in Washington State and are wondering if you can legally keep a skunk as a pet, it’s essential to understand the regulations in place.
It might surprise you to learn that while some states permit skunk ownership under certain conditions, Washington State is not among them. Unlike states like Oregon and Idaho, which border Washington and have more lenient exotic pet laws, the Evergreen State maintains a clear stance against keeping skunks as pets.
Washington State Law: Skunks are Prohibited as Pets
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), skunks are classified as protected wildlife and are illegal to keep as pets. The WDFW explicitly states that while young skunks might appear cute and kitten-like, they are wild animals and should not be domesticated.
This prohibition is in place for several reasons, primarily revolving around public safety and the well-being of both humans and skunks. Skunks, even when raised from a young age, retain their wild instincts. While they are generally mild-tempered and prefer to avoid confrontation, they can and will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Their primary defense mechanism, the notorious scent spray, is not only unpleasant but can also cause temporary blindness and nausea.
Furthermore, skunks are wild animals and can carry diseases such as rabies. While commercially bred skunks for the pet trade are often descented and vaccinated against rabies, these are not permitted in Washington. Any skunk found in the state is considered wild and could pose a health risk.
Why Some States Allow Pet Skunks (But Washington Doesn’t)
It’s true that a number of states across the U.S. do permit private ownership of skunks, often with permits or specific regulations. These states, such as Oregon, Idaho, and many others listed below, have established frameworks for exotic animal ownership that include skunks.
| States Where Pet Skunks Are Often Legal (with regulations) |
|---|
| Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana |
| Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio |
| Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia |
In these states where skunks are legal, certain conditions usually apply. These often include:
- Permitting: Owners may need to obtain a permit from the state wildlife agency to legally keep a skunk.
- Descenting: Skunks intended as pets are almost always descented at a young age, a surgical procedure to remove their scent glands.
- Source: Legal pet skunks must typically come from licensed breeders, not captured from the wild.
Washington State’s stricter stance likely reflects a more conservative approach to wildlife management and exotic pet ownership. The state prioritizes the protection of native wildlife and seeks to minimize potential risks associated with keeping wild animals as pets.
Types of Skunks Sometimes Kept as Pets (Where Legal)
If you lived in a state where skunks were legal pets, you might encounter certain species more commonly kept than others. The striped skunk ( Mephitis mephitis ) is frequently mentioned as a pet skunk. They are relatively small and adaptable. Spotted skunks ( Spilogale putorius and others) and hog-nosed skunks ( Conepatus leuconotus ) are also sometimes considered, though less common. Short-tailed skunks (Brachyurus essigii) are another type, but are less frequently kept as pets, and notably, they cannot spray.
Important Note: Even in states where skunks are legal, keeping them as pets is a significant commitment. They have specific dietary and care needs, and finding veterinarians experienced with skunks can be challenging. Furthermore, even descented skunks can still bite and may exhibit behaviors that are not always compatible with typical household pet expectations.
Conclusion: Respect Washington’s Wildlife Laws
In conclusion, if you reside in Washington State, the answer is clear: you cannot legally have a pet skunk. Washington law prohibits keeping skunks as pets to protect both the public and the state’s native wildlife. While the idea of a pet skunk might seem unique, it’s crucial to respect and abide by the wildlife regulations of your state. If you’re looking for a pet in Washington, there are many wonderful domesticated animals like cats, dogs, and others that are legal and readily available to become loving members of your family.
