Skunks in the wild?

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by solus

If they were (and there is, I believe, no historical documented evidence to support that) it wasn't in recent times - as in perhaps the last 200 years or so.

Historically there's been much debate on this species with not everyone agreeing. However it is expanding on the near continent + so a potential colonist, though it does seem reluctant to make large water crossings unlike some other owl species such as Short-eared + Long-eared Owls.

Certainly many of our UK species will have evolved alongside this species on the continent unlike some of the other alien species you mentioned.

[miranda78]

Originally Posted by wildliferescuer

Hi
The one that we have in was found in Coleford & we have heard reports of others being seen there. This one is only a few months old so may possibly have been born in the wild.

hi there

if anyone has recently spotted a skunk(s) in the forest of dean area i'd be really keen to hear about it. could you let me know as I work for a wildlife company and we're looking into possible recent sightings.

Many thanks

[2dogs2000]

Originally Posted by Boddie

I used to wonder if there were skunks lose in Corby town centre

Why?

[2dogs2000]

Originally Posted by eeyore

many skunks would find that offensive !

Whoa! Why are you and Bodie picking on Corby?

[Dogs]

Well, I hate to sound like the bad guy! But im affraid that these nice little critters, that I admire greatly, have no place in our countryside at all...and the impact on our ecosystem could be very bad.
If they are breeding successfully, which I would think they will be, they should be caught up as quickly as possible, before the population gets out of hand. They are very easily caught in live catch traps, so I hope this method is employed soon, otherwise its likely, that once a larger population is established, they will be culled, like the coypu's and many other non-natives.

Its no good putting emotions first with issues like this, we have seen the effects of the grey squirrel, and the american mink, both have rendered some of our most treasured native animals nearly extinct!

We need to protect what we have left, and not be thinking... ''awww they look cute, just let them be... they wont do any harm, surely''????

Regards

Dogs