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CA NEWS
The Striped Skunk- It just makes scents Submitted by the Wildlife Committee
Written by Max Mixson, Georgetown Animal Control Supervisor, Animal Services
Of Texas’ five native species of skunk, distemper is contagious in dogs and can Deterrents
the striped skunk is by far the most com- live on surfaces (such as water bowls) for
mon. As this short-legged, heavy bodied a brief period of time. Pet owners should There are many commercial deterrents
mammal cannot outrun its predators, keep their dogs up-to-date on annual available that have motion sensors which
it has developed an excellent defense. vaccinations and discuss any concerns result in flashing lights, siren-like noises
While we may find the odor offensive, with a veterinarian. or jets of water. For a list of these deter-
skunks do not spray offensively – they rents, please email me at max.mixson@
only use this defensive action when they Skunks are also highly prone to rabies, georgetown.org.
feel threatened. Skunks will often give which can infect humans if bitten by an
several warnings before spraying: they infected animal. If left untreated, rabies Animal Services
will growl, stomp their front feet in a is fatal. Prompt medical attention can
bouncing manner, raise their tail and, prevent the infection in humans. Ra- Animal Control does not remove healthy
finally, turn around in order to release bid skunks will show similar signs as wildlife from its native environment
the musk from scent glands located un- distemper, but may also appear tame. unless it poses an immediate threat to
derneath their tail. The spray can travel A skunk raising its tail to spray you is the public. While we understand how
as far as ten feet, but the pungent odor exhibiting normal behavior; a “tame” overwhelming skunk odor can be, we
can be detected over a much larger area. skunk is an immediate concern. are not able to remove animals from the
wild simply because they are an incon-
Skunks primarily feed on insects, and venience. If you happen upon a skunk
will consume bugs humans would other- while out walking, slowly and quietly
wise eliminate with pesticides. However, back out of the area and go the other way.
these opportunistic omnivores will also
eat most anything available, and are If anyone witnesses an obviously sick
often drawn to residential areas due to animal or has concerns about any wild-
the amount of available foods. life, call the non-emergency line for the
Georgetown Police Department at 512-
Skunks are nocturnal, but will occasion- 930-3510 and choose the option for Ani-
ally emerge on overcast mornings or if mal Control.
their den is disturbed. Mother skunks
may be seen during daylight hours hunt- Nominating Committee
ing for nourishment in order to produce 2016 spring cycle report
milk for her kits. A skunk may also be
active during the day if it is sick. Submitted by Pat Alexander, Chair, Nominating Committee
Diseases The Nominating Committee (NC) is term.
responsible for interviewing applicants
Skunks are susceptible to two viral dis- and recommending those best qualified – One woman and 18 men were ap-
eases, both of which attack the central to fill vacancies on Community Associa- pointed by the CA Board.
nervous system and both produce very tion (CA) advisory committees to the CA
similar symptoms. Board of Directors. Advisory committee We had an outstanding group of appli-
openings are advertised each spring and cants this spring and encourage those
Distemper usually arises in spring and fall in the Sun Rays, CA Communicator, not selected this cycle to try again. If
early summer. Skunks with distemper NRO Bulletin and on the NC website. you are interested in serving on a com-
will seem disoriented, stumbling, un- mittee, prepare by attending committee
concerned with humans and/or snapping Below is a recap of the 2016 spring cycle meetings (Sun Rays page 6), visiting that
their jaws in the air. They may also expe- applicants: committee’s website and getting involved
rience seizures. The virus which causes in committee activities.
– There were 40 applications for 19
HAPPY open positions on nine advisory com- Thanks to Ann Dodson, our staff liai-
INDEPENDENCE DAY! mittees. son, for her valuable support and assis-
tance. Additional thanks to Nominating
MONDAY, JULY 4 – Applicants included four women and Committee Vice-Chair Ev Canfield for
All CA facilities closed except 36 men. providing the statistics for this report.
We would especially like to thank all
Golf and outdoor pools at – Five applicants withdrew prior to those residents who applied this cycle
Fitness Centers interviews, and two withdrew after for volunteering to spend their time and
interviews. efforts to help keep Sun City Texas a
great place to live.
– Eight incumbents applied for and
were appointed to a second two-year
12 | SUNRAYS JULY 2016 ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
