This can sometimes be caused by mange or other skin diseases, but it may also be a sign that a female has had fur pulled out from the neck area because of the male's attempts to mate with her. Skunks with eye or nasal discharges and with unsteady gait should be suspected of having distemper. Information about the prevalence of rabies in any of the mammal species in your area can be obtained from the local department of public health. Reducing the Risk of Being Sprayed Skunks spray when they are startled by loud noises, sudden movement or pain. When approaching a skunk make sure the animal is aware of you by speaking in a low voice.
Skunks have poor vision and sometimes spray because they are unaware of the approach of a human.
If you are confronted by a skunk either outdoors or inside a building, the best thing to do is to stay still and give the animal the opportunity to leave. Frightened skunks will usually stamp their front feet several times, then they will twist their hindquarters towards the danger and spray as a last resort. Skunks will not attack a human being by biting unless given no alternative Because of their body structure skunks cannot jump over or climb an obstacle higher than three feet unless it has a rough or slatted surface Striped skunks cannot climb trees although the smaller spotted skunk, which is less commonly seen, can climb well. Spotted skunks can sometimes climb into wall spaces and find their way into attics. Striped skunks more commonly den underneath decks, houses, sheds, woodpiles etc.