DEAR JOAN: We are having a problem getting rid of a skunk.
I have closed all entrances into our yard, yet they still manage to get in and are now digging. We have a pie-shaped yard with Alameda Creek across the road behind us. A neighboring residence behind us is unoccupied, and their ivy runs along our fence over to the back street.
Can skunks climb fences? Is there a repellent we can use? Should we just call the city?
M. Proud, Union City
DEAR M.: The Bay Area is home to two types of skunks — the spotted and the striped — but the striped skunk is the one you are most likely to have visit your yard. While the spotted is an excellent climber, the striped skunk is not as adept but will, perhaps reluctantly, climb fences.
Striped skunks prefer digging beneath objects, so you might want to bury a barrier beneath the fence, about 2 feet deep. Hardware cloth is a good choice and can be secured to the lower part of the fence to prevent critters from sneaking under or burrowing beneath.
In addition to creating barriers, protect your compost bins, secure garbage can lids, don’t leave pet food out, clean up fallen fruit and spilled bird seed, and keep wood piles 18 inches off the ground. Close up holes and entrances into your home and sheds, and make sure an animal can’t get under your deck or patio.
Skunks have strong senses of smell, which some might consider sort of poetic justice, and there are some scents they don’t care for, including citrus, ammonia, mothballs and predator urine. Skunks can be skittish, so setting up a bright, motion-activated light also can discourage them.
You can contact your area vector control district for help or hire a trapper to capture the skunk, but because skunks are known to carry rabies, in most cases they are killed, rather than relocated.
DEAR JOAN: For the past several months, we have noticed that the California scrub-jays at our feeder look unusually scruffy. One fledgling looks sick, with a flattened head and poor balance. It lingers on our balcony railing as if it doesn’t know where to go, and it might be shivering.
Our other wild birds (Stellar’s jays, band-tailed pigeons, oak titmice, juncos, wrens) seem fine, but I’m concerned. Has anyone else in the East Bay hills noticed sick-looking scrub-jays? Should I discontinue our bird feeder? I feel like it is keeping the sick fledgling alive.
Carol Alonso, Orinda
DEAR CAROL: It is, unfortunately, the West Nile virus season, and covids — crows and jays — are particularly susceptible to the illness. It’s transmitted by infected mosquitoes, so make sure you don’t have any standing water where they could be breeding.
Another possibility is salmonellosis. There was an outbreak of the disease earlier this year, affecting mostly pine siskins.
On the side of caution, you should take down your feeders, clean them well and wait at least two weeks before putting them back up. If you see any dead jays or crows, report them to the state West Nile virus hotline at 877-WNV-BIRD.
However, if this has been going on for months with no fatalities, you might just have a flock of scruffy jays.
Have a question for Joan?
Use this form to submit questions. Photos should be mailed separately to jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com.
