Unwelcome wildlife? Skunks descend on Calgary during winter visit

A caged skunk after experts removed the animal from near a Calgary home

The burgeoning smells of spring may not be fully appreciated by some Calgarians as they’re left holding their noses due in part to the unseasonal return of skunks.

In some Calgary neighbourhoods, skunks have been lured out of hiding by the warm conditions of late.

Tiffany Martinson says she prohibits her young daughter and the family’s puppy from playing in the yard until she thoroughly inspects the area and confirms the yard is skunk free.

Over the last few weeks, Martinson has encountered several skunks on her street. Phone calls to 311 proved unfruitful as neither bylaw officers, nor Alberta Fish & Wildlife officers, will remove the animals.

The onus is on homeowners to arrange the removal of the pungent wildlife.

It is unclear whether the skunks are aware of the city’s stance on skunk removal, but, in the northeast community of Taradale, the animals have developed a swagger and are brazenly approaching residents.

“They will go right up to your doorstep, they don't care if you are outside or walking on the sidwalk, they will dart at you,” explains Martinson. “They're very gutsy.”

“I don't want to leave my house at night. If I have to go to my car, I'm always trying to find out where skunks are. If there is a skunk, I don't want to leave.”

Taradale residents have launched a petition to have the City of Calgary remove the skunks.