Skunk Behaviors: Is it possible for a wild skunk to like humans?

Question

I was walking down the street and no one was around. It was morning and I saw a skunk run across the street in front of me. I walk to the end of the street where it had vanished and there it was, sitting like a cat, relaxed, wagging it's tail slowly (not like a dog) with its head tilted to the side starring at me. It got up and started scampering towards me without any alarm. I ran to the next street near me and it sat there on the other side starring at me again with it's head tilted and started scampering the other way. It seemed curious or like it WAS a cat but I'm 100% positive it was a skunk. I could see it perfectly. Is it possible this skunk was a house pet run away or does this mean something else?

? · Accepted Answer

I suppose. I've had them close to me. They aren't particularly timid because they know nothing will mess with them. I heard that descented skunks make good pets. I'm not willing to bet that the one you saw was a pet. Like I said, they tend not to fear much in the wild. I've had my back yard full of them. I' go out to have a smoke in the summer and they get within a few feet of me.

michael971 · Answer

skunks can carry rabies so it might have been sick. Usually they have to be exposed to people when they are very young. It is possible that it was a pet skunk that someone let go.

PaulCyp · Answer

They can become used to people if they live in an inhabited area, same as squirrels or other wild animals.  But if you do anything they consider threatening, they still know how to defend themselves.

Anonymous · Answer

Veary rarely but yes it is possible

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Skunk Behaviors: Is it possible for a wild skunk to like humans?

4 Answers