Pro tips on dealing with skunks

What they're spraying: Ray says skunks typically live in woodland areas, but over time have become more comfortable around humans.

• She offers tips for dealing with skunk traffic around your home:

🧹 Keep the yard clean. Skunks target berries that fall from trees, along with seeds below bird feeders.

🐶 Protect Fido. Flick the lights on and off a few times before letting dogs outside at night to shoo away skunks.

• This prevents them getting startled by your pooch and spraying the yard.

😲 Don't panic. "Generally, seeing a skunk is not a problem," Ray says. "They really mind their own business for the most part."

• She recommends calling a group like the Ohio Wildlife Center if you encounter a skunk that appears sick.