It’s the time of year where skunks are on the move and looking for new winter homes throughout the West Country region.

Clearwater County officials say there are some simple steps county residents can take to deter nuisance skunks.

Firstly, that includes removing food sources such as excess produce, animal and pet foods or garbage, as skunks tend to settle first and foremost where the easiest source of food is, says Matt Martinson, director of Agriculture and Community Services.

Secondly, Martinson advises people remove shelter options, such as brush piles, wood piles, grain bins and the underside of sheds, as skunks are currently looking to hunker down in a winter den.

Skunks can be prevented from living under farm buildings, granaries and other structures by closing off openings with wood or metal screening. Wire mesh of five cm or less diameter spacing is recommended and should be buried 15 cm below ground level to prevent skunks from digging under.

Skunks have been pervasive enough in the county that Martinson says there has been an ongoing waitlist of about a dozen residents seeking the two small animal traps available for rent from Agriculture and Community Services.

Skunks do not hibernate in winter, but remain inactive in cold weather dens, only leaving for short periods during warm weather.

Martinson says the good news is that now skunks have begun to settle in for the winter, the odour so common throughout the summer and fall should dissipate.

The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is the only species found in Alberta and is a member of the weasel family, all of which possess scent glands near the anus. The skunk, however, has the most advanced glands, containing approximately 15 cc of the yellowish, oily liquid.

The odor of the compounds in skunk spray can be detected by the human nose up to one mile downwind.

Due to the chemical composition of the spray, there are few if any household preparations that effectively eliminate the smell.

If you do encounter a skunk, residents are warned they can spray up to six times in quick succession. However, after that, it usually takes about 10 days to replenish their supply after complete discharge.

While landowners have the right to hunt or trap skunks on their properties, Martinson says the best option is to deter them in the first place by restricting food and shelter.

If anyone does have a nuisance skunk on their properties, they can rent a small animal trap by calling Agriculture and Community Services at 403-845-4444.

–with files from Clearwater County