by Will Koz

Created on: January 13, 2007   Last Updated: April 15, 2007

Actually, many people say yes.

Of course, you have to have their smell glands removed first.

Skunks are playful, inquisitive, and fun if bred and trained correctly. Not to mention they are adorable. Skunks can also be quite intelligent. Don't like the black and white pattern? Skunks come in many different colors and patterns. There's bound to be one out there you like.

Believe it or not, it is actually legal in many states to keep skunks as pets. These skunks, of course, are bred in captivity, not taken from the wild. Wild skunks should never be made into pets.

Where to get a pet skunk: From a licensed animal shelter or pet store. There are also some skunk breeders out there. Search online for one near you...and if they are legal to keep as pets in your state. Skunks are legal to own in Canada and some European countries as well. Make sure you look into whether a permit is required in your area if skunks are legal to own.

When to get a skunk: Get them when they are young, very young. It is important that you interact with your skunk as much as possible when they are babies. Play with them, cuddle with them, hold them, and pat them. The more friendly you are with them when they are young, the more friendly they will be when they are older. However, don't play too rough with them and when disciplining them, do it with a stern voice. Don't get too physical. This could make them aggressive later on.

How to train a skunk: Again, be firm, but gentle. Don't get too rough with them! Skunks will use a litter box in the house if you train them to.

What skunks eat: A variety of things. Vegetables, meat, cat food...there are even some brands of skunk food out there. Make sure you do some research to find he right proportions to feed your skunk. Be careful of overfeeding them...skunks can get fat easily. The last thing you want is a chubby skunk.

Can my skunk go outside?: Yes...if you watch them. Skunks have no homing instinct, so they can get lost easily. They are also somewhat slow and nearsighted so are great targets for cars.

Problems with skunk pets: First, they tend to have sharp claws. This combined with their curiosity means that some skunks tear up quite a bit of furniture and/or rugs. Not all, but some. They also have sharp teeth. Skunks will bite if they feel they need to. As long as skunks are trained properly and not mistreated, this should not be a problem at all, but be aware.

There also aren't many vets who know too much about skunks. This means you may have to do a bit of research and contact some other skunk owners to help with problems.

This was intended to be a quick overview of keeping a skunk as a pet, not a complete guide. If you decide to try keeping a skunk, do a it more research first. There are quite a few organizations and foundations dedicated to pet skunks. They can help a lot.

Learn more about this author, Will Koz.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.