PHS/SPCA Wildlife Center Skunk Rescue, by Kathy Wilson

When animals find themselves in a precarious situation and the PHS/SPCA team learns about their plight, they immediately step in to help. Here are two examples of local skunk rescues that made all the difference.

Skunk Family Falls into Deep Construction Hole

On May 28, 2021, a mother skunk and her two babies found themselves staring up from the bottom of a 14-foot hole. Luckily, a worker at the construction site in Menlo Park spotted them and reached out to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) for assistance. Once there, they were able to carefully lift the animals out of the hole using an expandable catch-pole and net, place them in secure crates, in order to evaluate them for possible injuries. 

“The hole was quite deep, and the skunks were unable to climb out by themselves,” says PHS/SPCA’s Communications Manager Buffy Martin Tarbox. “Without human assistance to help them out of the hole, it is likely they would have perished. Despite being scared, none of the skunks sprayed our staff, and seemed grateful to have been safely rescued.” 

Found to be injury free despite their harrowing ordeal, this fortunate little skunk family was released on the back side of the property and happily sent on its way. 

Five Recently Orphaned Baby Skunks

Turn the clock ahead to today, and we find another skunk family in need of assistance. On April 8, 2025, PHS/SPCA Wildlife received three orphaned skunks brought in by local animal control (Silicon Valley Animal Control ─ SVACA), where mom was found deceased after being hit by a car. The next day, two of their siblings were found in the same area and brought in as well. 

The baby skunks were dehydrated so they were given fluids and other supportive care. They were immediately put on a species-specific weaning formula, and in early May were on solid food. By mid-May, they could be moved to an outdoor enclosure which allowed them to recover in a natural setting and safe space. After 41 days, the baby skunks were ready to be released, which happened on Tuesday, May 20. 

Raising baby skunks can be a difficult task, requiring specialized knowledge and care. While you might be tempted to care for a baby skunk yourself, it's generally best to contact a wildlife rehabilitation facility or local animal control for assistance.  

About Skunks

The most common and recognized skunk species in North America is the striped skunk, whose range extends from the southern half of Canada to the northernmost parts of Mexico, covering most of the continental United States.

Skunks are extremely adaptable and thrive in many different habitats, as long as food and shelter are available. Because they rarely travel more than 2 miles from their established dens, a skunk will typically settle down within 2 miles of a water source.

Dens are made in tree hollows, hollowed out logs, brush piles, abandoned animal burrows, and underneath porches and other structures. Skunks will occasionally dig their own burrows underground if no other shelter options are available.

Though they typically prefer to dine on insects and grubs, skunks are omnivores, consuming a vast diet of both plant and animal matter. Skunks are opportunistic eaters, and their diets are flexible, often shifting with the seasons.

Average lifespan: 2-4 years