Can You Pet a Skunk? Understanding Skunks as Unique Pets

Skunks, native to North America, are often recognized for their distinctive black and white stripes and, of course, their potent defensive spray. While wild skunks might keep their distance, those born and raised in captivity can become surprisingly affectionate, intelligent, and truly unique pets. If you’re intrigued by the idea of a pet skunk, you might be wondering, “Can You Pet A Skunk?” The answer is yes, under the right circumstances, you absolutely can! Captive-bred skunks, especially those descented, can learn to enjoy human interaction, becoming playful and even cuddly companions. However, before you imagine snuggling up with a skunk on the couch, it’s essential to understand the realities of skunk ownership.

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/skunks-as-pets-1237314_FINAL-5bc767f2c9e77c005173e574.png)

This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about skunks as pets, from their legality and ethical considerations to their specific care requirements and endearing behaviors. We’ll explore what it truly means to pet a skunk, ensuring you have a clear picture of whether this distinctive animal is the right pet for you.

Can You Own a Pet Skunk? Legality and Ethical Considerations

Before you get swept away by the charm of a potential pet skunk, it’s crucial to address the practicalities: is owning a pet skunk even legal where you live, and is it ethically sound for you and the animal?

Legality of Skunk Ownership

The legality of owning a pet skunk varies significantly depending on your location. Laws differ not only from country to country but also from state to state and even at the local level. Therefore, your first step in considering a pet skunk must be to thoroughly research the regulations in your specific area.

In some regions, owning a domesticated skunk is entirely prohibited. Other areas permit skunk ownership but may require specific permits, licenses, or adherence to particular conditions. For instance, some jurisdictions might mandate that pet skunks are descented or vaccinated against rabies, even though there isn’t a rabies vaccine specifically for skunks.

As of the latest information, pet skunk ownership is legal in these US states:

Alabama
Florida
Indiana
Iowa
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

It’s vital to remember that this list can change, and local ordinances can further restrict or regulate skunk ownership even within these states. Always verify with your local animal control, wildlife agencies, and city or county authorities to get the most up-to-date and accurate legal information.

Ethical Considerations of Pet Skunk Ownership

Beyond legality, ethical considerations are paramount. Owning any pet is a significant responsibility, and this is especially true for exotic pets like skunks. They have unique needs that differ considerably from common pets like cats or dogs. Before bringing a skunk into your home, honestly assess your capacity to provide for its well-being for its entire lifespan, which can be 10 to 15 years in captivity.

Ask yourself these critical questions:

Are you prepared for the commitment? Skunks need substantial time, attention, and specialized care. They are not low-maintenance pets and require daily interaction and enrichment.
Do you have the right environment? Skunks are active and curious, needing a safe, stimulating, and escape-proof environment. A cage is not suitable for prolonged periods; they need space to explore and play.
Can you meet their dietary needs? Skunk nutrition is complex. There are limited commercially formulated skunk foods, often requiring a carefully balanced diet of proteins, vegetables, and specific supplements.
Veterinary care access: Finding a veterinarian experienced with skunks can be challenging. Exotic animal vets are less common, and routine and emergency care might be harder to access and potentially more expensive.
Descenting controversy: Descenting, the surgical removal of scent glands, is common in pet skunks but ethically debated. While it prevents spraying, it removes a natural defense mechanism. Consider the ethical implications and potential risks of this procedure.
Socialization and safety: If you have children or other pets, can you ensure a safe and harmonious environment for everyone? Skunks, while generally docile when socialized, can bite if threatened, and interactions with other pets need careful management.
Mess and potential damage: Skunks are naturally inquisitive and can be messy. They might dig, explore every nook and cranny, and potentially damage household items. Are you prepared for this?

Answering these questions honestly will help you determine if you can ethically and responsibly provide a loving and fulfilling home for a pet skunk. If you have any doubts, it’s wiser to reconsider.

Skunk Behavior and Temperament: What to Expect

Understanding a skunk’s natural behavior and temperament is key to knowing if you can truly pet and bond with one. Skunks have unique personalities that can be both endearing and challenging.

While wild skunks are often solitary and wary of humans, captive-bred skunks, especially when handled from a young age, can develop into sociable and playful companions. Early socialization is crucial for a pet skunk to become comfortable with human interaction and handling. When raised with positive reinforcement and gentle handling, they can become affectionate and even cuddly, enjoying being petted and interacting with their human families.

However, it’s important to remember that skunks are not domesticated in the same way as dogs or cats. They retain many of their wild instincts, which manifest in their behavior:

Curiosity and intelligence: Skunks are highly intelligent and incredibly curious. This is part of what makes them engaging pets, but it also means they can be mischievous. They will explore everything, get into cabinets, drawers, and any space they can access. Childproof locks and secure storage are essential in a skunk household.
Nocturnal tendencies: In the wild, skunks are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk. Pet skunks can adapt to human schedules to some extent, but they are naturally more active during these twilight hours. Expect playtime and activity periods in the evenings and mornings.
Digging and foraging instincts: Skunks are natural diggers and foragers. They might dig at carpets or furniture if their digging instincts aren’t channeled appropriately. Providing digging boxes or designated digging areas with appropriate substrates can help satisfy this natural behavior.
Vocalizations: Skunks are not silent pets. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including chirps, hisses, whines, and even growls. Understanding these sounds can help you interpret their moods and needs. They are generally not overly noisy but do express themselves vocally.
Stubbornness and independence: Skunks can be stubborn and headstrong. They have minds of their own, and training requires patience and consistency. They are not always as easily trainable as dogs, but they are intelligent and can learn with positive reinforcement techniques.
Playfulness: Skunks are naturally playful animals. They enjoy toys, especially those that appeal to their foraging instincts, like puzzle toys or toys they can dig in. Providing mental and physical stimulation through play is vital for their well-being.
Potential for biting: While generally not aggressive when properly socialized, skunks will bite if they feel threatened or frightened. It’s crucial to handle them gently and respectfully and to teach children how to interact safely with a skunk. Rabies is a concern, and even though pet skunks are kept indoors, any bite incident can have serious consequences due to rabies protocols and the lack of a specific skunk rabies vaccine.

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spruce-pet-skunk-1-38-5c88000cc9e77c0001a9c2c7.jpg)

Understanding these behavioral traits is essential to setting realistic expectations for pet skunk ownership. They are not simply cuddly novelties; they are complex animals with specific needs and natural behaviors that must be respected and accommodated.

Housing Your Pet Skunk: Creating a Safe and Stimulating Environment

Proper housing is critical for the safety and well-being of a pet skunk. Given their curious and exploratory nature, your home needs to be adapted to ensure their safety and prevent damage.

Indoor Living: Pet skunks are best kept indoors. Descented skunks lack their primary defense mechanism, making them vulnerable to predators if allowed to roam freely outdoors unsupervised. Most skunk owners allow their pets to roam freely within the home under supervision.

Skunk-Proofing Your Home: Skunk-proofing is essential. This includes:

Blocking access to unsafe areas: Use baby gates or pet barriers to restrict access to areas like basements, attics, or rooms with hazards.
Securing cabinets and drawers: Skunks are adept at opening cabinets and drawers. Childproof locks are necessary to keep them out of areas where they could ingest harmful substances or make a mess.
Protecting wires and cords: Skunks might chew on electrical cords. Use cord protectors or conceal wiring to prevent electrocution hazards.
Window and door security: Ensure windows and doors are securely screened or closed to prevent escapes. Skunks are surprisingly agile and can squeeze through small openings.
Removing toxic plants and substances: Ensure your home is free of poisonous plants and keep all cleaning supplies, medications, and other potentially harmful substances out of reach.

Dedicated Skunk Space: Consider creating a dedicated “skunk playroom” or safe room. This could be a spare bedroom or a section of your home where your skunk can have its toys, bed, and explore freely without constant supervision. This helps contain the mess and potential for damage to certain areas of your home.

Kennels and Crates: While skunks should not be confined to cages for extended periods, a large dog kennel can be useful for temporary confinement when you are away from home or need to ensure their safety. Line the kennel with soft bedding and provide toys to make it comfortable. Kennel time should be limited to a few hours at most.

Litter Box Training: Skunks are intelligent and can be litter box trained, similar to cats or ferrets. Provide a low-sided litter box in a corner of their space, as they naturally prefer to eliminate in corners. Use paper-based litter or pelleted litter; avoid clumping clay litter, which can be harmful if ingested. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful litter box training.

Outdoor Access: You can take your pet skunk outdoors for supervised playtime and enrichment, but always use a secure harness and leash specifically designed for small animals. Never let a skunk roam freely outdoors. Be mindful of temperature extremes, as skunks can overheat easily.

Bedding: Provide soft, comfortable bedding in their kennel or dedicated space. Pet beds designed for small dogs or cats, or piles of soft blankets, are suitable. Skunks enjoy burrowing and nesting, so provide materials they can manipulate and arrange.

By creating a safe, stimulating, and skunk-proofed environment, you can ensure your pet skunk thrives and enjoys a comfortable and secure life in your home.

What Does a Skunk Eat & Drink? Nutritional Needs

A proper diet is fundamental to the health and longevity of your pet skunk. Skunk nutrition is somewhat specialized, and understanding their dietary needs is crucial.

Omnivorous Diet: In the wild, skunks are omnivores with a varied diet, consuming insects, small rodents, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and even carrion. As pets, their diet should mimic this omnivorous nature, with a focus on high-quality, balanced nutrition.

Commercial Skunk Food: While limited, some commercially formulated skunk diets are available, primarily through online specialty pet food retailers. These diets are designed to meet the specific nutritional requirements of skunks. If using a commercial diet, choose a reputable brand and ensure it is specifically formulated for skunks.

Homemade Diet: If commercial skunk food is not available or preferred, a carefully planned homemade diet is necessary. This requires diligent research and consultation with a veterinarian experienced in exotic animal nutrition. A general guideline for a homemade skunk diet includes:

Lean Protein (60-70%): This should be the primary component. Good sources include cooked chicken, turkey, eggs, fish (boneless and skinless), and feeder insects (crickets, mealworms). Avoid feeding raw meat due to the risk of bacterial contamination.
Vegetables (30-40%): Offer a variety of fresh, cooked, or thawed frozen vegetables. Leafy greens, root vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots), and squash are good choices. Avoid canned vegetables, which are often high in salt.
Fruits (in moderation, as treats): Fruits can be offered as occasional treats due to their sugar content. Berries, melons, and apples (without seeds) are suitable in small amounts. Avoid grapes and raisins, which are toxic to some animals.
Limited Grains and Nuts: Cooked grains (rice, oats) and unsalted nuts can be offered in very small amounts. They should not be a significant part of the diet.
Plain Yogurt (unsweetened, probiotic): A small amount of plain yogurt can be beneficial for gut health.
Avoid Toxic Foods: Never feed chocolate (toxic to pets), onions, garlic, avocados, macadamia nuts, or foods high in sugar, salt, or processed ingredients.

Supplements: Depending on the specific diet and your veterinarian’s recommendations, supplementation with calcium and taurine might be necessary to prevent deficiencies. Metabolic bone disease, often due to calcium deficiency, is a common health issue in skunks.

Feeding Schedule: Young skunks need to be fed multiple times a day. Adult skunks can typically be fed twice daily, morning and evening. Provide food in a shallow bowl.

Fresh Water: Always provide access to fresh, clean water in a shallow dish. While skunks get some hydration from their food, especially vegetables, fresh water should always be available.

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/skunks-as-pets-1237314_FINAL-5bc767f2c9e77c005173e574.png)

Consult with a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals to develop a specific dietary plan for your pet skunk. Regular veterinary checkups and dietary assessments are crucial to ensure your skunk is receiving proper nutrition and to adjust the diet as needed throughout its life.

Common Health Problems in Pet Skunks

Pet skunks, like any animal, are susceptible to certain health issues. Being aware of these potential problems allows for preventative care and early detection.

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): This is a common and serious condition, particularly in young skunks, caused by calcium and vitamin D deficiency. Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, bone deformities, and fractures. A proper diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and appropriate UVB lighting if housed indoors without natural sunlight, are crucial for prevention.
Diabetes Mellitus: Skunks can develop diabetes, characterized by high blood sugar levels. Symptoms include increased thirst, urination, weight loss, and lethargy. Dietary management and insulin therapy may be required. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes.
Dental Disease: Poor diet and lack of dental care can lead to dental problems like tartar buildup, gingivitis, and tooth decay. Regular tooth brushing (if tolerated) and a diet that doesn’t promote tartar buildup can help prevent dental issues.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Imbalances in the diet can lead to various deficiencies, affecting overall health. A balanced, species-appropriate diet is paramount.
Cardiac Disease: Various heart conditions, including cardiomyopathy and valve degeneration, have been observed in skunks. Regular veterinary checkups can help detect heart problems early.
Obesity: Skunks are prone to weight gain if overfed or given an inappropriate diet. Obesity can lead to diabetes, joint problems, and other health issues. Portion control and a balanced diet are essential to maintain a healthy weight.
Parasites: Skunks can be susceptible to internal and external parasites, such as worms, fleas, and mites. Regular deworming and parasite prevention, as recommended by your veterinarian, are important.
Respiratory Infections: Skunks can develop respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. Prompt veterinary care is necessary.

Preventative Care:

Annual Veterinary Exams: Regular wellness exams are crucial for early disease detection and preventative care.
Vaccinations: While there’s no rabies vaccine specifically for skunks, veterinarians often recommend vaccinating against canine distemper and feline distemper (panleukopenia).
Spaying/Neutering: Spaying or neutering is recommended around 4 months of age to prevent reproductive cancers and reduce certain behavioral issues.
Descenting (optional but common): Descenting, if chosen, is typically done at a young age, often concurrently with spaying/neutering.
Parasite Prevention: Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for deworming and parasite control.
Dental Care: Regularly check your skunk’s teeth and consider tooth brushing if they tolerate it.

Finding a veterinarian experienced with exotic animals, particularly skunks, is essential. Establish a relationship with a vet before acquiring a pet skunk to ensure access to proper medical care.

Exercise and Grooming Needs of Pet Skunks

While not as demanding as some high-energy dog breeds, skunks still require exercise and grooming to stay healthy and happy.

Exercise:

Indoor Exploration: Much of a skunk’s exercise needs can be met through exploring their indoor environment. They are naturally active and curious, and simply moving around their home provides physical activity.
Playtime: Engage your skunk in daily playtime. Use toys that stimulate their foraging instincts, such as puzzle toys, treat balls, or toys they can dig in. Cat toys, small dog toys, and ferret toys can be suitable.
Outdoor Walks (supervised and on harness): Leashed walks outdoors provide physical and mental enrichment. Use a secure harness and leash and supervise them closely. Avoid hot weather and areas with potential hazards.
Mental Stimulation: Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interaction with their human family provide mental stimulation and prevent boredom.

Grooming:

Brushing: Regular brushing, at least once a week, helps remove loose fur and keeps their coat healthy. During shedding seasons (spring and fall), more frequent brushing is needed.
Bathing: Skunks do not require frequent bathing unless they get visibly dirty or smelly. Bathe them only as needed, perhaps once a month or less. Use a mild, tear-free baby shampoo or dog shampoo. Skunks often enjoy water and may even enjoy bath time.
Nail Trimming: Periodically trim their nails as needed. Use small animal nail clippers and be careful not to cut into the quick.
Ear Cleaning: Check their ears regularly for wax buildup or signs of infection. Clean gently with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution if needed.
Dental Hygiene: Ideally, brush your skunk’s teeth a few times a week to promote dental health. Use a pet-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste, which can be toxic to animals). If tooth brushing is not possible, dental chews or water additives recommended by your veterinarian might be helpful.

Shedding: Skunks shed twice a year, in spring and fall. During these periods, increased brushing is necessary to manage shedding fur.

Descenting and Odor: Descented skunks cannot spray their characteristic scent. However, they are not completely odorless. They can still have a mild musky odor, especially if they get dirty. Regular bathing and good hygiene practices can help minimize any odor.

Proper exercise and grooming contribute significantly to a skunk’s overall health, well-being, and quality of life as a pet.

Training Your Pet Skunk: Building a Bond

Training a skunk is different from training a dog, but it is achievable and essential for a harmonious relationship. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key.

Bonding and Socialization: The foundation of skunk training is building a strong bond through positive interaction and socialization. Spend time handling, playing with, and talking to your skunk from a young age. Positive interactions build trust and make training more effective.

Positive Reinforcement: Skunks respond best to positive reinforcement training methods. Use treats, praise, and affection to reward desired behaviors. Small pieces of cooked chicken, eggs, or favorite vegetables can be used as treats.

Clicker Training: Clicker training can be effective for skunks. The clicker sound marks the exact moment of desired behavior, followed by a reward.

Litter Box Training: As mentioned earlier, skunks can be litter box trained. Place a litter box in a corner, as they naturally prefer to eliminate in corners. Reward them when they use the litter box correctly. Consistency and patience are important.

Basic Commands: You can teach skunks basic commands like “come,” “stay,” and “no” using positive reinforcement. Keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging.

Discouraging Undesirable Behaviors: Instead of punishment, focus on redirecting undesirable behaviors. If your skunk is digging at the carpet, redirect them to a digging box. If they are trying to get into cabinets, ensure cabinets are secured.

Handling and Petting: Train your skunk to be comfortable with handling and petting. Start with gentle touches and gradually increase handling as they become more comfortable. Positive reinforcement with treats during handling sessions helps them associate handling with positive experiences.

“No Bite” Training: While skunks are not naturally aggressive, they can bite if frightened or threatened. Teach them a “no bite” command. If they start to nip or mouth, say “no bite” firmly and gently redirect their attention to a toy or activity.

Consistency is Key: Skunks are intelligent but can also be stubborn. Consistency in training is vital. Keep training sessions regular and reinforce desired behaviors consistently.

Patience: Training a skunk takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Celebrate small successes and build upon them.

By focusing on positive reinforcement, building a strong bond, and being patient and consistent, you can successfully train your pet skunk and enjoy a rewarding companionship. And yes, with proper socialization and training, petting your skunk can become a regular and enjoyable part of your bond!

Pros & Cons of Keeping a Skunk as a Pet

Choosing any pet is a significant decision. Weighing the pros and cons of skunk ownership is essential to making an informed choice.

Pros:

Unique and Intelligent Pets: Skunks are intelligent, curious, and engaging pets, offering a unique pet ownership experience.
Affectionate and Playful: When properly socialized, skunks can be affectionate, playful, and cuddly companions, enjoying interaction with their human families.
Relatively Quiet: Skunks are generally quieter pets compared to some other exotic animals or even some dog breeds.
Litter Box Trainable: Skunks can be litter box trained, making them relatively clean pets.
Long Lifespan: With proper care, skunks can live for 10 to 15 years in captivity, offering many years of companionship.

Cons:

Legality and Regulations: Skunk ownership is illegal or regulated in many areas, requiring thorough legal research.
Ethical Considerations: Descenting and the general commitment to exotic pet care raise ethical concerns.
Specialized Care Needs: Skunks require specialized diets, housing, and veterinary care, demanding more effort and resources than common pets.
Destructive Potential: Their curiosity and digging instincts can lead to household damage if not properly managed.
Veterinary Care Availability: Finding veterinarians experienced with skunks can be challenging and potentially costly.
Bite Risk and Rabies Concerns: While not aggressive, skunks can bite, and rabies protocols and lack of skunk-specific vaccine pose potential complications.
Time Commitment: Skunks require significant daily interaction, playtime, and attention, demanding a substantial time commitment from their owners.
Odor (even descented): While descented skunks cannot spray, they may still have a mild musky odor.

Is a Pet Skunk Right for You?

Pet skunks are not for everyone. They are best suited for experienced pet owners who are:

Knowledgeable and Committed: Willing to learn about and meet the specific needs of skunks.
Patient and Dedicated: Ready to invest time in socialization, training, and daily care.
Responsible and Ethical: Committed to providing a safe, enriching, and lifelong home for their skunk.
Financially Stable: Prepared for the costs of specialized food, veterinary care, and housing.
Legally Permitted: Living in an area where skunk ownership is legal and they are willing to comply with all regulations.

If you can honestly answer “yes” to these points and are captivated by the unique charm of skunks, then a pet skunk might be a rewarding and enriching companion for you. However, if you have any doubts or are looking for a low-maintenance pet, a skunk is likely not the right choice.

Purchasing Your Pet Skunk: Finding a Reputable Source

If you’ve decided that a pet skunk is right for you and you live in an area where it’s legal, the next step is finding a reputable source to acquire your skunk.

Never Take a Wild Skunk: It is crucial to never take a skunk from the wild to keep as a pet. Wild skunks are not socialized to humans, may carry diseases, and removing them from their natural habitat is harmful and often illegal. If you find an injured wild skunk, contact a local wildlife rescue organization.

Captive-Bred Skunks: Always purchase captive-bred skunks from reputable breeders or licensed facilities. Captive-bred skunks are socialized to humans from a young age, are more likely to be healthy, and are accustomed to living in a domestic environment.

Finding a Reputable Breeder:

Direct Breeder Contact: Seek out breeders who specialize in skunks. Reputable breeders will be knowledgeable about skunk care, health, and temperament, and will be willing to answer your questions and provide guidance.
Visit the Facility (if possible): If possible, visit the breeder’s facility to see the conditions in which the skunks are raised. The environment should be clean, and the skunks should appear healthy and well-cared for.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the breeder detailed questions about their breeding practices, the skunk’s health history, temperament, and care requirements.
Health Guarantees: Reputable breeders may offer some health guarantees or be willing to provide veterinary records.
Waiting Lists: Young skunks are typically available in the spring. You may need to place a deposit and be put on a waiting list.

Rescue Organizations: Consider adopting a skunk from a rescue organization. Sometimes, rescued skunks become available for adoption. This can be a rewarding way to give a home to a skunk in need.

Avoid Online or Classified Ads: Be cautious about purchasing skunks through online classified ads or from unknown sources. These sources may not prioritize animal welfare, and you may not get accurate information about the skunk’s origin or health.

Cost: The cost of a pet skunk can vary, typically ranging from $150 to $500. Additional costs include spaying/neutering, descenting (if desired), initial veterinary checkups, and setting up their habitat.

Observe the Skunk Before Purchase: Before bringing a skunk home, observe its behavior. It should be alert, active, and curious. Avoid skunks that appear lethargic, have discharge from eyes or nose, or show other signs of illness.

Purchasing a pet skunk from a reputable source is essential to ensure you are getting a healthy, well-socialized animal and to support ethical breeding practices.

Similar Pets to the Skunk

If you are drawn to the unique qualities of skunks but are unsure if they are the right fit, consider these similar pets that share some characteristics:

Ferrets: Ferrets are also intelligent, playful, and curious mammals. They are more domesticated than skunks and have established veterinary care and resources. However, they also have specific needs and can be prone to certain health issues.
Raccoons (in some areas, with permits): Raccoons share some intelligence and curiosity with skunks, but are generally more challenging to keep as pets due to their strong-willed nature and potential for destruction. Raccoon ownership is often heavily regulated or prohibited.
Genets: Genets are slender, cat-like carnivores from Africa. They are intelligent and active but require specialized care and housing. Genet ownership is less common and may be subject to regulations.

These alternatives might offer some of the appealing traits of skunks while potentially being more manageable or legally accessible as pets. However, each species has its own unique needs and challenges, and thorough research is essential before considering any exotic pet.

For those still intrigued by exotic pets beyond skunks, further research into other exotic animal options is recommended to find the best match for your lifestyle and capabilities.

FAQ

Are skunks good pets to have?
Skunks can be wonderful pets for the right individuals and families who are prepared for their specific needs and are committed to providing proper care. They offer unique companionship and can be affectionate and playful.
Do pet skunks still stink?
Descented pet skunks cannot spray their characteristic scent, so they do not “stink” in that sense. However, like any animal, they can have a mild musky odor, especially if they are not kept clean.
How much do pet skunks cost?
Pet skunks typically cost between $150 and $500 to purchase. Additional costs for setup, veterinary care, and ongoing maintenance should also be considered.
How long can a pet skunk live?
Pet skunks can live for 10 to 15 years in captivity with proper care, significantly longer than their lifespan in the wild.