Stickney Skunk Sightings Prompt Animal Control Response

Mike Katcher, Acting Director of Environmenal Health and Bob Negrete, Animal Warden, pose with a recently purchased humane skunk trap.

Stickney Township recently purchased two skunk traps. This is due to a recent increase in skunk activity throughout the area. The traps are specially designed to prevent the skunk from spraying anyone while in the trap. The traps were tested with great success as two skunks were caught within the Township.

Skunk spray not only smells bad but may also cause temporary blindness if sprayed in the eyes.  If a skunk sprays you or your pet, act as quickly as possible, if you can, wipe or clean off as much of the oily compound before it dries. This will not remove all the odor but it will not be as strong or long lasting.

If you believe that you have a skunk living on your premises please contact Stickney Township Animal Control (708) 237-8962 (Voice Mail) or (708) 424-9200 (8:30 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday)

Tips for the smell:
-Tomato juice will neutralize the skunk odor if it’s in your hair or a pet’s fur. Soak hair with tomato juice for at least an hour and then rinse and shampoo as usual. It’s important that you don’t use the tomato juice on contaminated clothing, however, as this will only cause staining.
-One part bleach with two parts of water will remove the smell of skunk from clothing (light colored) or walls. You may want to test on a hidden area first to make sure the bleach won’t cause any further damage to the item.
-Dry cleaning fluid will remove skunk odor from clothes, towels, rugs, furniture and other textile product.
-If your clothing has been contaminated, bury it in dirt. The dirt particles will absorb the oil particles. Sand and kitty litter also work much in the same manner. You can also rub dirt into a dog’s fur.
-Soaps and dish soaps specifically formulated for removing oil and grease should remove the oil from the skunk’s spray and neutralize the odor.
-For smelly hair or pet fur, dissolve one pound of baking soda in one to two gallons of warm water. Work into the fur or hair and let sit for a couple of hours before rinsing out. Shampoo and condition hair as usual.
-A cola bath will also remove the skunk smell from hair or pet fur. Pour cola onto hair and let sit for an hour so before shampooing as usual. Keep in mind though; the cola may bleach pet fur. Use this only for dark haired pets.
-Vinegar, that cure-all household staple, also removes the smell of skunk from pets, humans, clothes, walls and furniture. Use full strength and rinse with warm water.
-A mixture of ten parts hydrogen peroxide to one part baking soda also works well. Mix and massage into affected areas.
-Mix a solution of one quart of hydrogen peroxide, one cup of baking soda, one teaspoon dish soap. Rinse with warm water. This works for humans, pets and walls. Keep in mind that if you’ll be using this formula for clothes, furniture or rugs, it may cause discoloration due to the bleach in the peroxide.
-An over-the-counter douche product will also remove the smell of skunk from pets, hair, clothes, walls and furniture.
-There are plenty of professional products on the market specifically for this purpose. Pet stores sell products for removing the odor from animals, and your veterinarian will have recommendations as well. You can contact your dry cleaner for recommendations for removing the smell from clothing and the hairdresser will have suggestions for getting the smell out of your hair.

Stickney Township Animal Warden
Robert Negrete

Concerns about stray animals can be directed to the Animal Warden at (708) 424-5570.

Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter Weather

Although winter doesn't come as a surprise, many of us are not prepared for its arrival. If you are ready for the hazards of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Staying Save and Healthy at Home

Many people prefer to remain indoors in the winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe, healthy, and warm during the winter months:

"Winterize" your home.
Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
Check your heating systems.
Make sure that your heating system is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
Install a smoke detector.
Have an alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
Prevent carbon monoxide emergencies.
Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly odorless, colorless gas.
Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, nausea, and confusion.
Keep grills and generators out of the house and garage.
Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages.
Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration, and water that is stored in clean containers.
Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including battery-operated devices (if possible, a NOAA Weather Radio), extra batteries, extra medicine, and baby items.