Skunk mating season starts in California. How do you avoid a stinky encounter?

Skunks looking for love are on the move in California, raising the risk of unwelcome encounters for humans.

Two types of skunks are found in the state — the more common striped skunk and the spotted skunk, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Spotted skunks are nocturnal and are found mainly in remote areas. Striped skunks can be active day or night and are more commonly found in urban areas, the agency said.

Both release a strong spray, or musk, when frightened. Skunks have very poor eyesight but a strong sense of smell.

Here’s what you need to know:

When do skunks mate?

Skunks mate from February to March in California, according to A-Z Animals.

Skunks are polygamous, and male skunks travel up to 5 miles during mating season looking for love with as many potential mates as possible.

Female skunks reject unwelcome suitors by releasing their notorious spray, the site said.

Baby skunks, known as kittens, are born in May and June. Skunks can give birth to up to 15 kittens, which are born blind and hairless. The mother normally cares for baby skunks alone, and will spray if they think their young are in danger.

What do skunks eat?

Skunks are omnivorous, feeding on everything from acorns to small rodents, according to the Marin Humane Society.

They also eat insects, eggs, fruit and seeds, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said. In urban areas, skunks may eat pet food or garbage.

Where do skunks make their dens?

“Skunks are not climbers,” said Alameda County Vector Control. In the wild, they sometimes take over burrows created by other animals.

In urban areas, they may shelter under homes, inside crawl spaces or beneath a deck or porch.

This can create problems for homeowners if a skunk sprays during mating season, for example, to drive away an unwanted suitor, the agency said.

What should you do if you encounter a skunk?

A skunk that is about to spray will stamp its feet, raise its tail, hiss, make short forward charges and twist its hind end around in your direction. Skunks normally only spray to protect their young or if they feel cornered or threatened, however.

Here’s what to do if you encounter a skunk, according to Humane World for Animals:

• Back away slowly and quietly
• Restrain any dogs
• Eliminate garbage and pet food left out at night
• If you think you find a skunk burrow, block the entrance with loose soil to see if it’s occupied. If the dirt is disturbed the next day, the den is occupied. If not, it’s empty and can be filled in.
• Used wired fencing or a one-way door to prevent skunks from creating a den in a crawlspace or under a house or deck.
• If you find a skunk in your garage, leave the door open until it wanders back out.
• Homemade repellents, such as used kitty litter or castor oil, also can be used to deter a skunk from returning to a den.

What should you do if you get sprayed?

If you or a pet are sprayed by a skunk, mix a solution of 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap, Long Beach Animal Care Services said.

Wash immediately after being sprayed with the solution, and don’t get any in your eyes. Scrub deep and rinse off thoroughly. If you’re washing your dog, don’t leave it on too long — hydrogen peroxide can bleach fur.