Are skunks permitted as domestic pets?

The regulation surrounding the ownership of skunks as domestic pets can vary significantly from state to state. In New Mexico, skunks are not considered legal domestic pets due to their status as wild animals. The general consensus within state wildlife regulations reflects a concern for public safety, animal welfare, and the management of wildlife populations. Skunks can carry diseases such as rabies, and their natural behaviors and needs cannot be adequately met in a household environment, further making them unsuitable as pets.

Choosing "no" aligns with these regulatory frameworks, as it recognizes the importance of respecting wildlife laws meant to protect both the animals themselves and the communities they inhabit.