Yes Skunks can have rabies. In central North America – skunks are the main rabies vector on land. They can carry rabies in their entire range from Canada to the tip of South America.
How Often Do Skunks Have Rabies?
Skunks are widespread across both North and South America with 10 species across the range – and half of those found in the U.S. mainland (there are no wild skunks in Hawaii).
Just like all mammals – these skunks are capable of catching and then passing on rabies to more skunks and, ultimately, other mammals.
Although bats and raccoons in the U.S. are found to have rabies most often (around 60% of all rabies cases between them) – the skunk is in the Top 5 species found to carry and pass on rabies to humans. Bats, foxes, and coyotes are the remaining three. Spatially – the skunk is more commonly identified as the main carrier in central states as well as in California.
There is also a species-specific variant of skunk rabies which is mainly passed from skunk to skunk only – so in theory skunks can carry 2 different types of rabies. Both of which can infect humans. Luckily however – as humans aren’t the main host of any of the different rabies viruses – humans can’t pass rabies to other humans directly.
Can Humans Catch Rabies From A Skunk?
In the last 10 years – according to the CDC* (2009-2019 Link) no humans in the U.S. have died of rabies from a skunk bite. However, most people who get bitten or come into close contact with skunks are smart enough to get the rabies vaccine as soon as possible after initial contact.
Rabies is almost always fatal in humans unless you get the vaccine within days of contact with a rabid (or potentially rabid) animal. Even if you don’t think the animal ‘looked’ rabid – it could still have had rabies and passed it to you. However, if you wait for symptoms to get treatment – it will almost certainly be incurable. All the rabies fatalities died within a month of reporting their first symptoms.
You don’t need to wait until you have close contact with a skunk to protect yourself – as rabies vaccines can be given like any other vaccine. They aren’t just used prophylactically (after a bite). You can order a vaccine anytime and be safe before anything happens – as frighteningly – many sources of rabies are never identified or linked to an obvious animal bite.
It is also advised to have your dogs, cats, and horses vaccinated – as they too can pass on rabies to humans (you) if ever infected.
Will Skunks Attack Humans?
Skunks rarely ever physically attack humans – preferring another means. They are world-famous for their stinky skunk spray.
Instead of attacking and biting – skunks have evolved to use a combination of two very well-known defense mechanisms. And animals with these means of preventing attack – hardly ever attack. The point of their evolution has meant that they don’t have to.
Firstly, skunks have warning coloration – a striking pattern of bold colors: in this case black and white (or in some cases cream or brown and white). Boldly showing off these patterns by means of posturing and tail wagging – is known as aposematism. This technique of showing warning colors to tell predators that you either taste or smell horrible – or are toxic/venomous – is where the skunk excels. And they aren’t lying.
They possess an over-developed scent gland under their tail – which can spray out a noxious mixture of chemicals over 10ft in any direction. This smell can be detected over a mile away – and is very difficult to get rid of. It won’t wash off easily – as many website links will attest. There are a whole host of ideas for getting rid of the smell – but it certainly does its job.
If you ever see a skunk again – you won’t go near it!
Can Skunks That Have Rabies Hibernate, Migrate, or Adapt?
Skunks’ hibernation, migration, and adaptation are intriguing aspects of their behavior. While skunks are not known to hibernate, they tend to remain inactive during harsh winter months, conserving energy in dens. Migration is also rare in skunks, as they typically occupy relatively small territories year-round. However, skunks can adapt to various environments, adjusting their habits and diet to survive changing conditions. Understanding their hibernation, migration, and adaptation patterns helps unveil the fascinating ways skunks navigate their surroundings.
Do Skunks Carry Diseases?
If you haven’t been warned enough already to stay away from a skunk – how about knowing that they also carry a battery of zoonotic illnesses (transmissible to humans). Some from mild contact with live animals, some from scratches and bites; others from handling dead animals; and still more that can infect your pets who then infect you.
Skunks can carry a huge number of viruses, parasites, and bacteria worth avoiding.
The most worrisome diseases that a skunk may pass on to you or your pets are distemper (contagious and fatal to cats and dogs if untreated); rabies (details above); leptospirosis (a bacterial infection that can affect the liver and kidneys); and intestinal roundworms. Ticks are also a possible disease vector from skunks.
Many of the above are preventable with vaccinations, improved hygiene or husbandry, and early diagnosis and most can be cured with professional and timely treatment.
*https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/location/usa/surveillance/human_rabies.html
