Love is in the Air!

Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

Photo by Bryan Padron on Unsplash

Is that a coyote you heard? Or was that the distinct aroma of skunk you smelled?
If you are noticing more signs of these animals lately, it is because love is in the air, and not just because of Valentine's Day. It is also mating season!  According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, skunks and coyotes are more active during the spring as they search for mates, venturing out of their typical ranges to do so.  Habitat loss due to development also displaces them into urban areas, increasing potential interactions with these species. Both coyotes and skunks are generalists, meaning they eat a variety of foods and can easily adapt to various environments, including around humans.

Coyotes mate in late January through early March. They are socially monogamous breeders, meaning once a mate is found, the pair typically remains together. Litters are born in March and April and can contain 5 to 10 pups!  Skunk mating season in Ohio begins a little later than the coyote, starting in February and continues until the end of March. Female skunks usually have one litter, while male skunks can father multiple litters.  Each litter produces 4 to 6 kits on average, in May or June. 

In Ohio, we have Eastern coyotes, which are descendants of Western coyotes and the gray wolves that once populated the Great Lakes region. Coyotes are actually not native to Ohio, but they slowly moved into the area over time as land was cleared for agriculture and other, larger carnivores like the gray wolf were extirpated (locally extinct). They have been recorded in the state since 1919.
Striped skunks are native to Ohio, however. Identifiable by the two white stripes that run down their backs and tails, striped skunks are found across North America, including the United States, northern Mexico and southern Canada.

If you encounter one of these species, the recommended response differs. Coyotes are highly intelligent animals, and do not typically want to confront humans. Making yourself known through loud noises and gestures generally will encourage a coyote to move along.  Skunks though are less intelligent, and have poor eyesight.  Their main defense mechanism is, of course, their signature scent which comes from a liquid produced by a skunk's anal glands, and contains several chemical compounds which are rich in sulfur. If you see a skunk, back away and give it plenty of space. Adult skunks typically wag their tail and stomp before spraying, so you have a chance to avoid the worst of the confrontation!

Coyote track in snow

If you are noticing more coyotes, skunks or other animals in your yard, removing food sources such as outdoor cat and dog food, bird seed, and garbage can help. Also, excluding spaces under porches or decks that could be potential denning sites can help to reduce conflicts with these species. 

Questions about local wildlife? Contact our office at 513.695.1337