Within the last 2 weeks I've had 2 diffrent sick skunks in my yard.The one died and theother wants seem to be dying too.They are week and you can walk up close to them and I have noticed that both have a bunch of ticks on them.Could that be the reason why the first one died and the second is dying too because the ticks suck the blood out and the skunks became very week and anemic?Serious answers please.Thanks.
2007-05-15 12:48:37 · 14 answers · asked by Michael Jackson 1958 - FOREVER 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
I called animal control and they made it clear to me that they DO NOT mess with skunks.I also left a message with our Local Wild life and have not received a call back.The skunk is running around my backyard all dazed and confused he is not afraid of my large dogs that are out in the kennel.He sat right next to them without showing any fear as this concerns me that he either has rabies or the canine virus(I don't remmember what it is called. Any advice as this now the second skunk within 2 weeks that is wondering around my yard.
2007-05-16 02:49:38 · update #1
The skunks were sick before the ticks began hosting off of them. They could have had rabies and the sickness had taken its toll on them and as they became weaker, they became easier for "parasites" to feed off. The skunks are probaly(sp) infested with fleas also.
Sure can a severe infestation cause problems, yes. But there had to be someother contributing factors.
2007-05-15 14:15:32 · answer #1 · answered by Bugman 2007 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely!!
Any living creature needs their blood. So many ticks sucking the blood, makes the animal anemic. I watch Animal Planet's "Animal Cops" all the time. There are dogs that almost die (and sometimes do die) from tick infestations. Dogs are usually larger than skunks (depending on the type of dog).
Any animal (2 legged or 4 legged) will die if all their blood is sucked out, no matter what does the sucking!!
I, obviously, don't know if your skunks had any other problems, but it is totally possible their deaths were caused by the ticks. (Ticks also carry diseases that can kill animals, too.)
2007-05-15 13:57:10 · answer #2 · answered by ElderEdge 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are other things like rabies and worms that can kill a skunk. The ticks may just be opportunists taking advantage of the weak host.
If you have children you may want to take precautions. Worms from skunks cannot complete their life cycle, but they can mature and go into the brain and organs. The fecal matter (poop) can be dangerous. Take precautions.
2007-05-15 12:56:06 · answer #3 · answered by Ron H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they CAN die from anemia caused by a tick infestation, HOWEVER...right now there are a lot of skunks and raccoons with feline distemper. (Yes, they are closer genetically to cats than to dogs, so they can contract feline distemper). It can kill them in a matter of hours, so please...do not approach a wild animal that looks injured or sick. Call your local wildlife center. Humans can't get distemper but it can make the animal behave abnormally and you could be bitten.
2007-05-15 12:53:00 · answer #4 · answered by Lisa E 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poisoning nusance wildlife is illegal in every state i know of. The odds are a cat or dog would eat the poison. No real reason to have it dead, but thats your perogitive. I would get a live trap, bait it with peanut butter, and/or some beef and within a few days the odds areyou will have it captured. Not getting sprayed is the challenge, or you could simply shoot it in the trap with a .22LR. Im sure your hunting friend has one. other option would be to call a few pest control companies. The odds are one will deal with wildlife, or refer you to one that does. Problem solved, shouldnt cost more than $150.
2016-04-01 03:05:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tick infestation will kill any animal if not treated. You should have animal control come and remove those two and have the yard where they've been hanging out treated.. The ticks could spread to you and/or your (neighbor's) animals, causing more problems!!!
2007-05-15 14:12:47 · answer #6 · answered by bondojr 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of ticks can make them sick and/or die. Not sure the reason why though. Cats and dogs are the same way.
2007-05-15 12:52:04 · answer #7 · answered by ronnny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please don't do that.Skunks carry Rabies and a sick or injured animal is very prone to biting you. Call the animal control in your area and report them.They need to know this. I love animals too , but wouldn't walk up to a dead or injured one. Please report them OK? As for the ticks, they carry an assortment of diseases that could very well have killed them. I don't think sucking their blood would have caused the death. Report them Please!
2007-05-15 13:10:35 · answer #8 · answered by Sandyspacecase 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe the ticks gave them a disease like lyme disease. they both prolly got it if they have so many ticks and are now dying because they aren't being treated for it. i would be careful around those ticks if i were you...
2007-05-15 12:52:09 · answer #9 · answered by skidthekitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
more than likely it was some type of disease like lyme disease that killed them. if that is the case you need to be carefull you don't get any ticks on you. lyme disease can be fatal for humans too
2007-05-15 13:11:53 · answer #10 · answered by togobackintime 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋