Alberta Campgrounds | Coming Face to Face With Skunks

Even though skunks have gained a stinky reputation, they are native to Alberta and can be found in virtually all Alberta campgrounds. However, people are less likely to encounter them often. Because they are nocturnal animals.

Therefore, they are most likely to wake up at dusk in order to start foraging for their food. They eat insects, and can keep an area very nicely cleared of pasts. That can eat farmers crops, or over take Alberta campgrounds very easily.

In fact, they can be very beneficial to have around. For their ability not only to eat insects. But also to keep natural predators away. The smell and sight of skunks. Can cause typical predators such as badgers, coyotes, and foxes to steer clear.

to these predators, the skunks smelly reputation is very beneficial. Because it keeps them from even trying to attack the skunk. In order to avoid getting sprayed.

Therefore, when people are visiting Alberta campgrounds and they are known to have skunks around. They can be less likely to come across a predator. That might be a lot more frightening to come face-to-face with.

However, it is likely that if people are out and about at sundown, such as coming home from a hike. Or walking to the bathroom. They still might encounter this animal.

The first thing that people should do is stop moving as quickly as possible. The skunks ability to smell is extremely good. And they are hearing is extremely good. But their eyesight is not very good at all.

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Because of that, if people stop moving. That can help us skunk feel safe in order to run away. They only will spray as the last line of defence. And if they feel that their life is in danger.

When skunks spray, it depletes their energy. As well as leaves them completely defenceless for the ten days it takes for their body to build up the chemical again.

Therefore, they are most likely to run away. When they encounter human. However, if they have babies. They can be more likely to be defensive. As they are protecting their offspring.

However, they will give a lot of warning signs before they start to spray. Such as stamping their feet, hissing and acting like they might charge.

If people see that a skunk that they have encountered is doing this. They should be backing away as quietly as they can. In order to get out of range of the skunk spray.

However, people should keep in mind that skunks can spray up to 3 m, which is an extremely far distance away. So they need to put as much distance between them and the skunk as possible.

And while people have often been told that they should watch for the skunk raising their tail. It does not necessarily need to be raised straight up into the air. They concoct their tail to the side, and effectively spray a very accurately aimed amount of fluid at there would be predator.

Alberta Campgrounds | Coming Face to Face With Skunks

Any camper or hiker that is planning on enjoying the amenities at Alberta campgrounds. Should know that skunks are likely to be in the area. Whether they have ever encountered them or not.

Skunks come out at night to forage for insects. And will stay away from campsites that have dogs. However, from time to time animals and humans will come face-to-face with these small mammals.

While many things can be done to help minimize the chances of a skunk spraying a person or a pet. Every year, there are a few instances throughout the province. Of people getting hit with this noxious fluid.

The makeup of the liquid is mostly oil. And it smells like sulphuric acid. In order to break down that oil, something acidic needs to be used. This is why tomato juice had often been reported as an effective tool against skunk spray.

However, there are other acids that are more effective. And more easily found especially when camping in Alberta campgrounds.

Hydrogen peroxide is a good option. And mixing 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide with the quarter cup of sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda. Can help people have a liquid that will effectively break down the oil in the skunk spray.

Another effective tip would be to put 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap into this mixture. But doing that just before application. When using this solution. People need to ensure that they rinse it off their skin or their pets for very quickly. Because it has a bleaching effect.

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They also need to take care not to get it in their eyes, or the eyes of their pet. Because it can cause pain and cause damage as well.

If people do not happen to have hydrogen peroxide on hand, perhaps they will have white vinegar. Which will allow them to break down the oil in the skunk spray. To neutralize the older.

This needs to happen very quickly, because skunk spray can cause severe skin rotation, temporary blindness, nausea, vomiting and even watery eyes and runny noses.

If people did get sprayed in the eye, they should rinse their eyes out with cool water as much as they can. And avoid going in buildings. Whether that is a house, a business, or a trailer.

The reason why they should avoid going indoors. Is because it can concentrate the skunk smell. And it is noxious enough to be smelled by a human nose five point 6 km away.

So when going indoors. It can cause the people inside who did not get sprayed by a skunk. To develop watery eyes, runny noses, and become nauseous and start to vomit.

By knowing exactly what to do when encountering a skunk. As well as exactly what to do if they get sprayed by skunk. Can help campers and hikers enjoying Alberta campgrounds.

Know how to come prepared. That not only will they have a first aid kit. But they will have a skunk the smelling kit as well.