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Skunk Population Rises in Palatine

The skunk population continues to climb in the Northwest suburbs, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Skunk populations hit an all-time high last year, the Chicago Tribune reports a total of 9,510 skunks were reported in the city and surrounding suburbs. According to the Tribune, based on reports from local groomers and animal control companies, the number of skunks continues to climb in the Northwest suburbs.

According to the newspaper, owner of Critter Control in Palatine, Brad Reiter specializes in skunk problems. The Chicago Tribune reports Reiter has been trapping up to 15 skunks a day not only in Palatine, but also in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove and other surrounding communities. 

A skunk will give many clear signals before it sprays; according to animal control, a skunk will stamp its front feet, arch its back, and shuffle away. If you don't leave right away, the skunk will turn around, raise its tail, and release the smelly musk, a sulfur-alcohol compound. According to animal control, the skunks' spray not only stinks but it can also burn and cause temporary blindness if sprayed directly into the eyes.

In case people or pets in Palatine get sprayed, the Village recommends this mixture to get rid of the smell. 

  • 1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
  • 1/4 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
  • 1 teaspoon liquid soap or dish detergent
  • Mix these together and bathe ("shampoo" in or rub down) the spray victim thoroughly.
  • Be sure to use this mixture immediately after it is created, as it is unstable.
  • Rinse with tap water afterward, and repeat if necessary.
  • For spray in the eyes, flush with water as soon as possible.
Bucephalus October 11, 2012 at 12:24 pm
This news does not surprise me. Last week my wife and I came home and saw a skunk trot away from our garbage can, having tried, in vain, to gain access to it. They're certainly around in Palatine.
Craig Apelbaum October 11, 2012 at 01:23 pm
It must be a real big stink.
Catherine October 11, 2012 at 02:27 pm
Doesn't surprise me either. My dog has been sprayed twice this year for the first time in 15 years. I also have friends with pets that have been sprayed for the first time this year.
J October 11, 2012 at 03:43 pm
I think its time for the Village to develop an ordinance about the number of birdfeeders a home can have out at a time on the propety.. Some homes have in excess of 2,3 and 4+, in one small area. This may be contributing to the increase of skunks. http://www.eapl.com/wildlife_problems_skunk.html "Skunks eat mice, eggs, lizards, frogs, birds, beetles, earthworms, garbage, acorns, and fruit, but they especially love sunflowers and bird seed". Hum...They especially like BIRD SEED.
J October 11, 2012 at 03:46 pm
The website link also identifies what attracts skunks. Bird Seed is the first item on the list. Please take a moment to read the link in my original post
Mary DiCarlo October 11, 2012 at 05:36 pm
It seems like part of the problem is that the skunks do not have any natural predators in the area. We used to see coyotes on a regular basis but not recently. I'm wondering if the lack of coyotes has increased the skunk population. Although, I'm not sure if coyotes hunt skunks. I wouldn't if I was a coyote :) It's been a tough year with the skunks in our north Arlington Heights neighborhood. Many dogs, including my own have been "skunked" and it is a HORRIBLE experience to live through. We have had to throw out a sofa because the smell would not come out just from the short time that the dogs were let in the house after they were skunked. I wish the Villages could assist homeowners in ridding the skunks in the neighborhoods.
M October 11, 2012 at 05:58 pm
Sure J, let's give the government more control. Maybe we should stop ruining their natural habitats so they have to forage in residential areas. Skunks also REALLY like grubs. Should the government force me to treat my lawn with chemicals too? I don't think Government control is the answer.
Sophie Masterson October 11, 2012 at 06:51 pm
Really? You want more codes? We are already so heavily regulated. And you also want police money going to enforce that?
Ellen October 12, 2012 at 01:57 am
I don't know why you wouldn't want to get rid of grubs without the government telling you to. The skunks and other animals dig up the lawn to get to the grubs.
Wally October 12, 2012 at 02:51 am
Who counted 9,510 skunks? I saw one dead on the road. Was that before or after the count? I'm so confused. I think we need a recount.
J October 13, 2012 at 02:29 pm
I concur...A recount is needed. Saw two dead in the middle of the road. Not a pretty sight and who pays to have it cleaned up? We, the taxpayers do.
--As far as the comment that 'M' made, Buffalo Grove has the ability to limit the number of bird feeders. Does the home owner really need 3-5 birdfeeders in the front yard of a home that is less than 1/4 acre with more in the backyard? Wouldn't 1-2 suffice? (I don't want to get into the whole survival chain thing with the birds, squirrels, feral cats, skunks, coyotes,and.even foxes. Why would we want to encourage them to be around the area in the first place? ). Regarding grubs, people usually will try to get rid of the grubs once they find out about what is being done to their lawns so it would not need to be regulated by government. However, the people, feeding the birds(and cats) , don't seem to really realize that although they are pollenating their flowers, they are also negatively impacting the entire neighborhood when done in extremes.
Jerry I. October 17, 2012 at 02:21 pm
Hens love to eat grubs! But the Village won't allow that...
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