skunks

We're spending more time outside and there's a specific smell to watch out for.

It's skunk mating season in Illinois, so here are some easy tips for keeping skunks out of your yard.

If you see a skunk here in Illinois (and the calendar says that you probably will), you're probably looking at the striped skunk, the most common and only skunk native to Illinois. Our state is also home to spotted skunks, hooded skunks and hog-nosed skunks, but there are far less of them.

Authorities found a disturbing situation involving wild animals in a Sandwich, Illinois home. 20 wild animals including several who were deceased have been removed and police are trying to determine if charges are justified.

What would you do if you found baby skunks in your yard? The solution isn't simple especially if you understand the law in Illinois that says you can't trap and release them. A homeowner in Illinois shared video of their dilemma.

About a month ago, I began frequently seeing skunks wandering around some yards in my neighborhood. Now, I'm seeing more--many of them after an automobile encounter.

It was around this time last year that my dog Lucy had her first encounter with a skunk during mating season--and it did not end well for Lucy. After 5 or so treatments with skunk smell removing solution, Lucy began to be a bit more tolerable to be around. She'll be delighted to know that the skunks are back and very active.

It looks like Illinois, and the Rockford area in particular, had a very successful skunk mating season. How do I know that? My dog Lucy got herself hosed down by a striped skunk last night, and the skunk appeared to have some little skunks cheering it on.