by A. Fader

Created on: February 24, 2009

In today's world the Average North American has a lot on his/her mind: The state of the economy, a brand new President from whom the world is expecting big things, who will win the next instalment of America's Next Top Model These are all equally important issues, but surely that which lies at the forefront of Americans psyches is not job security in a waning economy, a new world leader or why Tyra Banks' forehead has not yet swallowed her whole, but simply, what are the health concerns of owning a pet skunk? And I couldn't agree more. What indeed are the health concerns to owners of pet skunks? It's about time someone spilled the beans, so I'm here to do it for you. I will be upfront and honest with you first in that I think bringing a skunk into your home as a pet isn't the smartest of ideas. However, there are people who do this kind of thing, so if you're a skunk-lovin' enthusiast who's thinking of bringing a little stinker into your home there are a few health concern issues you should know:

Odour

This is a given. Have you ever seen that episode of Seinfeld in which Jerry cannot for the life of him, omit the scent of body odour from his vehicle after it has been left with a valet service? Mm hmm, well replace "Jerry" with "you" and "vehicle" with "your home". Skunks emit the foul aroma they are so notorious for through their anal scent glands (sounds pretty doesn't it?) as a defence mechanism and/or when taken by surprise; and I mean, if you were a skunk who found yourself living in somebody's home as their pet, you'd be pretty surprised don't you think? You may be thinking to yourself, "I can simply have the animal de-scented", and this is true - you can. However, even after de-scenting a skunk the animal still has other stink glands that are left behind and they don't call them stink glands because they smell like roses. I'll leave it at that.

Behaviour

Aside from the pungent odour issue, I would say behaviour is arguably the most important factor to consider before adopting a skunk as a pet. Skunks are, by nature, wild animals, therefore should you choose to bring a wild animal into your home, be prepared for the wild behaviour that comes along with it. On top of spraying, skunks have a habit of urinating when surprised or when being picked up, kind of like your great uncle Ted. So when you've finished eradicating the smell of "anal scent gland" from your house, you have the aroma of urine to look forward to. Super. And because they are a wild animal, skunks

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