Love Is In The Air; The Romance Of Skunk Mating Season In Texas

This is a very special time of year in Texas. There's something in the air. Love is all around us, and it isn't just us feeling it. If hadn't noticed yet, it's skunk mating season in Texas. That's why it smells like Colorado outside your window right now.

Skunk Mating Season In Texas Has Arrived

Skunk mating season in Texas is actually pretty interesting. The breeding season is February through March, and the product of the mating season usually makes its debut in early May. It's a pretty quick process.

It's a lot faster than our system of dating for four years, getting engaged for one, getting married, arguing for half a decade about when is the right time for a litter of our own, and so on, and so on.

Fun fact, they can also be active later in the year around fall. This is when they're gathering up food and getting ready for winter.

Things To Keep In Mind During Skunk Mating Season In Texas

One of the biggest things to keep in mind during skunk mating season is to watch the road. We've all been driving along and then caught a whiff of Rocky Mountain perfume. When you're driving keep an eye out for skunks. Miss them if you can, but don't put your life or someone else's at risk.

Also, know that they'll be out at night. The last thing you, your kid, or your dog wants is to get sprayed by one. Try and keep a safe distance from them and call someone to come remove the skunk for you. I learned the hard way growing up, these skunks mean business and don't mind ruining your week and your outfit.

What To Do If You Get Sprayed By A Skunk

If you do get sprayed by a skunk, take immediate action.

• Soak clothing and whatever else got sprayed in a mixture of vinegar and water for HOURS before washing them. Supposedly this will get the stink out.
• Send someone to the store for some skunk odor remover. It exists.
• Jump in the bath or shower and wash yourself thoroughly.
• Supposedly, tomato juice just makes the smell worse. I can personally vouch that it does add the rich smell of tomato to everything else that's going on at the time. It's not much for killing the skunk odor. Instead, use this mixture.
• Probably jump back in the shower or bath after you hose yourself down with the odor-killing mixture.
• Seek medical attention if necessary.

Getting sprayed by a skunk sucks, and there is no quick process for getting rid of their pungent presence.

In the Texas panhandle, we have three varieties of skunk to keep an eye out for. The hog-nosed skunk, the striped skunk, and the hooded skunk. Fortunately, they all look pretty skunkish so you'll know what you're dealing with when you see one.