Corpus Christi (KIII News) — Some experts say skunks and opossums seem to be less afraid of humans these days, so they routinely show up in residential neighborhoods.
That was the case this week as Corpus Christi's Animal Care Services encountered a skunk stuck inside an opossum trap.
"We've caught skunks and caught opossums," resident Robert Browning said.
Browning is familiar with the residential wildlife in his southside neighborhood.
"I see them every night when I walk the dog," Browning said. "I see something every night. Skunks and opossums mainly."
Some of his neighbors even have stories of encounters.
"Well I had a possum come in my back sunroom inside our house," resident Doug Dobbins said. "He went right back out when I saw him."
The vermin have adapted well to human routines, knowing when it's safe to come out from under drainage pipes and structures or wooded areas. They even know when and where pet food is left out.
A 3News viewer shared video of an opossum enjoying an afternoon snack, but they aren't the only visitors. Skunks have also made themselves at home, even sharing a meal alongside a house cat.
Experts said if you have had an outdoor gathering like a barbecue, opossums and skunks will come looking for leftovers after everyone is gone.
"If you see one, I would recommend you stay away from it," said Cpt. Patrick McMenamy of Corpus Christi's Animal Care Services.
If you do decide to put out a trap to catch a skunk, be prepared to call Animal Care Services.
"If you have an urge to trap it, call us and we will come out and pick up the animal and relocate the animal to the wild where the animal belongs," McMenamy said.
Because skunks are known carriers of rabies, Animal Care Services said let the experts handle them. If a pet gets bitten by a skunk, you must take them to Animal Care Services to be checked out and possibly quarantined.
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