Patch Chat: Are Skunks a Stinky Situation in Oak Forest?

Nobody likes a skunked dog, and Patch reader Scott Johansen would know better than most. Johansen's dogs have been sprayed a combined five times. On any given evening, he says, skunks trot out into his yard around sunset, and the number of skunks he's spotted has seemed to increase within the past two years.

Another Oak Forest Patch Facebook fan said a family of skunks has taken up residence under his shed, and he's not sure what to do.

But has the skunk population in Oak Forest actually increased? We have a call in to Oak Forest Animal Control. In the meantime, we spoke with one commissioner, who said there are no more skunks in Oak Forest than in past years, and that living among so much forest preserve land can have its drawbacks, like .

Last week, Ben Nelson, a . Nelson suggested eliminating feeding options, trapping, and sealing off openings to burrows the animals make.

Oak Forest Animal Control suggested spotting the animals' den, and pouring cooking oil over the entrance. Yahoo.com Answers suggests sticking some old rags soaked with plain household ammonia (best to use a long stick or a pole because you don't want to get too close) under the porch, deck, shed, garage that they are living under.

Many want more help in handling their stinky enemies, Johansen told Patch. Are you one of them?

We Want to Know:

• Have you encountered these fragrant critters? How frequently?
  
• What tips have you heard in helping combat the problem?
• How do you de-skunk a dog? What tips have you used, or which have proven most effective?
• Do you have skunks living in your yard, under your porch, or in your area?