Yes, it is possible for baby skunks to carry rabies and other viruses. However, it is important to understand the distinction between having rabies and being rabid. While it is relatively common for skunks to carry the rabies virus, the occurrence of actually being rabid is much rarer among baby skunks.
This is mostly due to their fragility and young age, which hampers their ability to survive if infected. Rabies is a disease that affects the nervous system of animals. It should be noted that for an animal to be considered rabid, the virus must enter the bloodstream. The effect of rabies symptoms can vary among animals, but typically they become apparent within a few weeks.
Symptoms and Signs Rabid Skunks
When it comes to detecting signs of rabies in skunks, it is harder with baby skunks compared to mature ones. Therefore, we will focus on the signs of rabies in mature skunks, as they are more noticeable. Lethargy and vomiting are common early symptoms associated with rabid skunks, which can appear within the first few days of contracting the virus. As the rabies infection progresses and the skunk becomes rabid, it may exhibit aggression and confusion. If you encounter a skunk approaching you and want to ensure the safety of yourself, your children, and your pets, it is important to prevent them from approaching the skunk.
In case you find a skunk on your property, it is advisable to hire a professional and licensed pest control technician to safely remove the skunk. The skunk removal process typically involves several steps:
Inspection: The technician will conduct a thorough inspection of the exterior to identify skunk burrows and entry points. Skunks often burrow under existing structures such as decks, patios, and porches. The goal of the inspection is to determine vulnerabilities and provide recommendations to the property owner.
Meshing and Trenching
In most cases, skunks inhabit areas beneath structures. To remove the skunk, a one-way door is attached to the base of the structure, allowing the skunk to exit but not re-enter. To prevent the skunk from digging its way back, the technician will dig a 1 ft-deep trench around the perimeter of the structure and install an L-shaped steel mesh. This effectively blocks the skunk from digging underneath. It may take a few days for the skunk to vacate the area.
One Way Door Removal
Once the technician confirms that the skunk has left, they will remove the one-way door and patch the main entry point with a strong steel mesh material to prevent future skunk intrusions.
It is important to rely on professional skunk removal services to ensure the safe and effective removal of skunks from your property.