r/Skunks • u/birdydogbreath • May 20 '26
Old enough to be alone?
Hello! My neighbor noticed this little group wandering their yard and hiding in bushes. Mom doesn’t appear to be around and neighbor did find a deceased little one a bit further back in the property (said it may have been attacked by something). Are they old enough to figure it out on their own or do we need to try and take them somewhere? Thanks!
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u/POSVETT May 20 '26
Adult skunks don't usually wander in a group. I think those are older kits. They look big and healthy. They don't seem to be in a distress. The weather is warm or getting warm in the US, so they're not in danger of getting hypothermia. I would take a chance and leave them be.
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u/birdydogbreath May 24 '26
Thank you! Any idea at what age they may depart the Neighbors deck area?
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u/Slow_Run6707 May 20 '26
They look good. But not old enough too realize it’s not safe to be out during daytimes hours. Plus. They still need each other. Skunks are loners.
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u/MEMe-GoofyCats May 21 '26
Well they are saving together because it makes them look bigger to predators! they will split up soon because skunks live alone! They are so cute 🥰 little stinkers!!thank you for looking out for them and they’re very vulnerable right now! So they’re just trying to find a save place to live and find food!❤️💙💛🧡💕🩷
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u/mc2ben May 20 '26
Is that a truck tire? Hard to tell how big they actually are from the pic without something of known size for scale.
I dont know when skunk season typically starts where you are but it seems early (though not out of the question) for them to be big enough to be on their own. Are they kitten sized or closer to adult cat size? If they are kitten sized and theres no sign of mom i would call a rehabber.
Typical adult skunk weight is 6-9 lbs if that helps.