Skunk mating season brings chaos to CA neighborhood: Unwanted for Valentines Day

Forget love, it’s stink in the air for some Californians this Valentine’s Day.Residents near San Rafael in Northern California have complained of a pungent smell interrupting the season of love.The perpetrators? Female striped skunks rebuffing the “unwanted advancements” of males during their mating season, which lasts from January through March.

Skunk babies are typically born by May.“What’s happening is the males are pursuing the females, and if the female is not interested, she sprays them,” Melanie Piazza, the director of animal care and hospital operations for WildCare, told SFGATE.“It’s their defense for predators, but it’s also their defense for, you know, unwanted Valentine’s Day advancements.” Get the perfect blend of news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story The cute, striped furry friends are native to California and are distinct from the rarer spotted skunk.Skunks are considered opportunistic omnivores and eat a varied diet based on what’s available to them, which includes some pests like wasps, voles, slugs, and mice.Wildcare, a nonprofit wildlife hospital and education center in San Rafael, took the residents’ complaints.They’ve advised them to stay patient while skunks figure out true love.California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!“One thing we tell people most frequently is that this constant spraying they’re smelling is temporary,” Piazza said.“For most people who call our hotline looking for advice just because they’re smelling it a lot, basically we tell the...