5 Reasons to Own a Pet Skunk

1. Skunks are loyal once they get to know and trust you. They will form a bond to a particular person and won't really want to have anything to do with anyone else. They may even become cranky or agitated if approached by someone other than the person they are used to.

2. They are very cute... and unlike any other animal. Each skunk definitely has a distinct personality which makes them a unique and special pet. Skunks are more active and can be quite playful at night. They are nocturnal animals which means that they sleep during they day and stay awake at night. So make sure your skunk is confined to an area where he won't be in danger of hurting anything or himself while you sleep, since you cannot monitor him all the time.

3. Some doctors recommend having a skunk as a pet to people with allergic to dogs or cats. A skunk is like a mix between a cat and a dog; an owner gets the best of both worlds combined into one pet. Skunks are much different than an average domesticated pet - they are a wild animal with wild animal instincts. They have not been bred to be social creatures. Any socializing on their part is done purely out of interest or possibility of food. You will find it difficult to walk around your kitchen when your pet skunk learns that this is where the food is kept and distributed. He might even learn to open the pantry door, or the refrigerator, so child safety locks are required for any cabinets that contain any harmful substances like household cleaners.

4. They are protective creatures to those that they have formed a bond with. When a skunk feels threatened he will spray, or try to, even if he/she has been descented, stamp his front feet on the ground while advancing on his enemy, and even provoke a would-be attacker by nipping at a foot or body part. Skunks are not frightened easily, they are very confident and tend to stand their ground rather than back down. If a new person comes into the home, it might be a good idea to put your pet in a separate room for a bit and introduce the new person while the skunk is contained in it's cage. Maybe even have them give it a treat - a carrot stick or celery stalk would be ideal. Because skunks are aggressive members of the wolverine and badger family, they are required to have an up-to-date rabies shot. You don't want a guest to be bitten and then have to rush to the hospital for a series of painful shots.

5. There's nothing like cuddling with a skunk - especially when he cuddles and snuggles back. When they sleep, skunks curl up into a ball with their noses and face normally covered by their tail to avoid the light - skunks like it dark when they sleep. If you let your skunk roam around the house, you may want to check behind the couch cushions before you sit back and get comfortable or your bed before you hop into it to go to sleep at night. Skunks like to cuddle up in blankets to avoid light while they sleep.