![Why Are There So Many Skunks in the Tristate Right Now?](http://townsquare.media/site/77/files/2017/02/A21.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Why Are There So Many Skunks in the Tristate Right Now?
The other night I was scrolling through Facebook and I came across a post by my friend Melissa Malcom. She asked, "Am I the only one noticing the high amount of skunks in the area? Why???" As it turns out, a lot of folks have noticed that skunks seem to be everywhere and there's a reason why!
It's mating season!
Yep! The skunks are knocking boots. According to Thomas Barnes, a Kentucky wildlife specialist, breeding season for skunks in Kentucky begins in late January and mating occurs throughout the month of February. And there are some interesting facts about skunks that explain why so many of them get hit by cars during this time of year.
According to Barnes, female skunks don't travel well. So, male skunks looking for a little action may travel up to four or five miles per night during breeding season. And, to top it off, they move slowly, oddly become active during the day (hey, they're on a mission, right?), are reluctant to flee danger and, consequently, end up getting hit by cars. That's why the smell of love . . . and skunk . . . is in the air. Talk about looking for love in all the wrong places.
And these little critters pack a potent punch. Skunks mating in February will give birth to young born in May and June. Litters range from five to nine youngsters . . . but some moms can birth up to 18 at a time.
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