We don’t have a skunk epidemic. We just have skunks.

Skunks are actually pretty non-aggressive. Spraying is defense, not offense. Also, they don’t have great eyesight. So, if one is coming at you: don’t try to chase it or scare it away. You can back slowly away, or stop moving altogether. Just try to let it go where it’s going without panicking.

It’s that time of the year. They’re scavengers. Treat them like any other deranged person you’d meet on the street in Manhattan:

-don’t make eye contact.

-stay off your phone.

-go to the other side of the street.

-and if that doesn’t work give them the ol’, “Not interested,” and walk with some urgency. Don’t look back.

They stamp and turn their tail up in your direction before they spray. Give them space and warn anyone walking a dog if you see them in the area. You are extremely unlikely to get sprayed, 1000% more likely to get hit by a car as a pedestrian in that area.

Poor skunks. They get a bad rap, but they’re nice animals that are pretty smart and affectionate. As others have said, they only spray in defense. And they’ll give you a warning before they do so, too.

I’ve always wanted to have a skunk as a pet (they are legal in NJ - NJ Exotic Pets sells them in the spring.) We shall see.

Befriend them with kibble and tie them to a sleigh for free Luxury Transportation!

Eh I have like we have more of a lanternfly epidemic but what do I know.

My dog got sprayed a few weeks back. What a nightmare

LUXURY FRAGRANCE

They're way more afraid of you than you are of them! Just leave them be and you won't have a problem. Don't scream at them or throw things or make loud noises or big sudden movements -- just walk away and give them their space. (Dogs tend to get sprayed because they are not good at giving them their space lol.) As someone else said, spraying is a defensive not offensive move. Stay calm and you will be a-ok. They're just living their cute skunky life! :)