Are you sure it’s a baby skunk?
Baby skunks are one of the easiest babies to identify – even as tiny newborns without fur, they are black with white markings on their backs. These white markings can vary from a full set of stripes to just a tiny white cap on their head or tail.
Get the baby skunk contained
To keep the baby skunk safe while you figure out how to help it, get it contained. Baby skunks are able to spray once they’re furry and their eyes are open, but because they’re small they can’t spray a whole lot. Skunks usually only spray when they’re startled, so move slowly and carefully. Because skunks can’t see very well, talk or hum quietly while you’re containing them.
Smaller babies
Put the baby in a small cardboard box with a soft towel or t-shirt. Even on a warm day small babies can get cold, so give it a heat source:
- a clean sock filled with dry, uncooked rice, and microwaved for one minute
- a plastic bottle from the recycling bin filled with hot tap water
- an electric heating pad set to “LOW” and placed under half of the box.
Do not give them any food or water – right now keeping them warm in a dark and quiet place is more important.
Larger babies
Larger babies can be lured into a cat or dog crate with food, or place a cardboard box or laundry basket over top of them. You can put something heavy on top of the container to keep them in one place.
