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Alberta Campgrounds | What To Do When Encountering a Skunk
If people are getting out to enjoy the wilderness either by hiking on day trips, or going camping in Alberta campgrounds. They may encounter a lot of wildlife.
The type of wildlife that they encounter will depend upon where they are going, and what time of day they are going to be out side.
The most common types of animals that they will encounter include birds, squirrels and rabbits. But people will also be likely to see dear, and even bears depending on where they are camping.
It also depends what time of day people are active. Since some animals come out during the day. While others are nocturnal, and only come out at night.
A good rule of thumb when people are enjoying Alberta campgrounds. Is that dusk or dawn are great times to see wildlife. Because that is when they are either coming out for the day, or going to bed.
And while seeing wildlife in their natural habitat can be a very thrilling experience. There is one type of animal that any campers and hikers are not too keen on seeing. Which is the skunk.
People are most likely to see skunks when they come out at night. Because not only are they nocturnal. But at sundown, is when they forage for their food.
If campers are hiking or in their campsite around sundown. They are going to increase their chances of seeing this animal.
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And while it is very important for campers to always keep their distance, no matter what wild animals they are encountering while in Alberta campgrounds. Many people often have good reasons to keep their distance from skunks.
Skunks are known to spray very smelly substance when they get scared. And if accidentally startling one in the bushes. Can cause campers or their pets to be sprayed with this oily liquid.
Skunks do not want to spray, and it is used as a last resort when they are scared. When skunks spray, it depletes their energy. And it leaves them defenseless for up to ten days.
Therefore, if people encounter skunks. It is very important that they know what to do to avoid getting sprayed.
The first thing that people should do, is stop immediately. Often, by stopping as soon as a skunk is spotted. People can give them the opportunity to simply leave without feeling threatened.
It is in the campers best interest to start to leave the area very slowly. To avoid startling the skunk. If the skunk is accompanied by their babies. They will be even more defensive. So caution should be used if people encounter a skunk with their offspring.
Because skunks can spray up to 3 m or 10 feet away. It is very important to put as much distance between the skunk and the camper as possible. No fast movements, and no loud noises can often help campers escape this experience unscathed.
Because encountering wildlife is an inevitability when experiencing the beauty of Alberta campgrounds. The more campers know exactly what to do to enjoy the experience while not affecting wildlife or putting themselves in danger is extremely important.
Alberta Campgrounds | What To Do When Encountering a Skunk
Regardless of what Alberta campgrounds people are enjoying. They may encounter a skunk. Because skunks are native to Alberta.
However, as nocturnal creatures they tend to only come out at night. And are found foraging for food at dusk.
While skunks do not want to spray. Because it depletes their resources. Making them weak and defenseless for a week and a half.
They may have ended up spraying. Either because they were startled. Or especially if people walking with their dogs. Could not get their dog to stop barking. Or stop lunging at the skunk, which caused the skunk to feel threatened.
The skunks spray is an oily liquid that is in a gland underneath the skunks tale. The spray can cause irritation in the people in animal that it hits. Causing watery eyes, temporary blindness and even nausea.
The smell can be detected by the human nose up to five point 6 km or three point 5 miles away. And can last for an extremely long time while in Alberta campgrounds.
A skunk can also spray up to six times in a row before they are completely out of their oily discharge. So they can spray an extremely large area very quickly.
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When encountering a skunk. It is very important that people stop, and avoid making loud noises. And if with pet. Very important to get the pet, down as well. Especially dogs, who might be interested more than anything. Can cause the skunk to feel threatened.
The telltale sign that a skunk is about to discharge their spray. Is that they are going to stomp their feet, raise their tail or hiss. If this is the indication. People should start backing up as quickly, but calmly as possible to get out of range of the spray.
If a person or their pet has been sprayed by a skunk. They will want to take a soothing bath to get rid of the smell as we as possible.
Many people have sworn by that of tomato juice. That can help get rid of the smell of skunk spray. The reason why tomato juice can be an effective neutralizer of skunk smell. Is because the acid in the tomato juice can neutralize the oil in the skunk spray.
However, another solution can be using 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide. With ¼ cup of baking soda also known as sodium bicarbonate. And then just before using, adding 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap.
The people or their pets will need to bathe in this mixture. In order to get rid of the smell. But it is also important that they treat their clothing. To get rid of the smell in their clothing as well.
When camping in Alberta campgrounds. People are bound to encounter wildlife. And knowing what to do when encountering that wildlife can ensure that the experience is not traumatic for the animal or the human.