So you want to get a pet skunk. Well the first thing you need to do is find out if pet skunks are legal in your state. If you live in a state where they are illegal and the authorities find out, your beloved pet will most likely be confiscated and put to sleep in order to test it for rabies. You will also be unable to get proper health care and vaccinations for your skunk because the Vet may turn you in. So for the animals sake...check. I've included a list farther down.

Baby skunks are normally born only in the spring and are generally available in May, June, and July. Check with Pet stores in your area that deal in exotic pets, start asking them in the winter if they are going to have baby skunks this spring, you may have to put a deposit on one. You may also need to get a permit in advance (Check with your Fish and Game Comission or Dept of Natural Resources). Also check the newspaper classifieds during these months.

You can also chat with pet skunk owners from all over the world on pet skunk mailing lists, for example Skunks as Pets. The folks there can be very helpful with helping you find a skunk to adopt in your area, plus offer alot of advice. The mailing list will also help you get hooked up with domestic skunk clubs and info on skunk shows.

One final word of advice, please research pet skunks before you get one. When you first get your skunk it may be terrified of you and it may take months of loving patience before they decide they like you.

They are not an easy pet to have. For example, they cannot be kept in a cage, they will go cage crazy which may result in biting or other bad behavior. They must be kept in skunk proof rooms which is kind of like child proofing for a two year old. They may dig into your furniture or your beds box spring. Although they can be litter box trained they may have occasional accidents on your nice new carpeting. They require, no, they DEMAND alot of attention but if you willing to give them that special attention for say about 8 to 20 years then you will discover what a wonderful loving pet a skunk can be.

Skunk Status in the States

Alabama-legal if bred in the state.

Alaska- illegal

Arkansas-legal with permit

Arizona-can't get a permit for a skunk unless you moved to AZ and have a permit from another state. Then you can be issued a holding permit, but once the skunk is gone you can't get a permit for another skunk.

California- illegal

Colorado- illegal

Connecticut- illegal

Delaware- illegal

Florida- legal with permit

Georgia-anything legal except black and whites, no permits required.

Hawaii- illegal

Idaho-can't import a skunk, but there are no restrictions on those that are Idaho bred. No permits, etc.

Illinois- illegal

Indiana- legal with permit

Iowa- legal

Kansas- illegal

Kentucky- legal only in some areas

Louisiana- illegal

Maine- illegal

Maryland- illegal

Massachusetts- legal with permit

Michigan-legal with permit, outside cage must be built, must be Michigan bred.

Minnesota- legal with permit

Mississippi- illegal

Missouri- illegal

Montana- illegal

Nebraska- illegal Nevada- illegal

New Hampshire-striped skunks are illegal, however hooded and spotted are legal.

New Jersey-legal with permit, must be NJ bred skunk.

New Mexico-illegal

New York- legal with permit in some areas only

North Carolina- illegal

North Dakota- illegal

Ohio- legal with permit

Oklahoma- illegal

Oregon-legal, but must be bought outside of the state, have a health certificate and an import permit. Can't sell, trade it etc.

Pennsylvania- legal with permit

Rhode Island- illegal

South Carolina-Can't buy or sell skunks in the state, legal without permit.

South Dakota- legal without permit, however limited to 1 skunk per person

Tennessee- illegal

Texas- illegal

Utah- illegal

Vermont- illegal

Virginia- illegal

Washington- illegal

West Virginia- legal with permit

Wisconsin- illegal

Wyoming- legal- classified as a predatory animal so such you may keep it for a pet and no license is required.

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