You may enjoy looking at cute pictures of skunks online, but meeting one in person isn’t quite as enjoyable. A threatened skunk can spray the area with a foul liquid that smells for days to come, and without critter removal, they may begin to inhabit your home or yard. To ensure your next encounter with a skunk ends without any unpleasant odors, follow the tips below.

3 Steps to Take If You See a Skunk

1. Stay Still

Skunks will be more scared than you, but they don’t spray until they’re startled or backed into a corner. They also have poor eyesight, and they may be startled, even if you start walking in the opposite direction. Stay still until you determine where the skunk is headed. Then slowly move away from their path, keeping your footsteps soft to avoid alerting them to your presence.

2. Locate Their Den

If you encountered the skunk on your property, find the skunk’s den. This will make it easier to point it out to a critter removal expert, and it also helps you avoid that spot in the future. If it’s easy to miss, add a marker, so you don’t stumble onto it accidentally. You should also warn your family members, so they don’t get an unpleasant surprise.

3. Keep Pets Indoors

Dogs and cats are often curious about skunks, but their harmless curiosity could get them sprayed. Then, you’ll have to give them a bath to get the stink out of their fur. If you have a fenced-in backyard where the skunk isn’t present, your pet should be safe to go out in the day because skunks are nocturnal. Otherwise, walk your pet on a leash until a critter removal company can relocate the skunk.

Whether you live in the country or the suburbs, skunks may move onto your property. To keep your family members and pets safe from skunk spray, call the professionals at A.S.A.P. Critter People in Cincinnati, OH. They offer humane critter removal for groundhogs, skunks, snakes, raccoons, squirrels, and more. To learn more about their services, visit them online. You can also call (513) 941-0258 to schedule a visit.