A wildlife control specialist says if you see an adult skunk wandering around during the daytime it is best to stay away.

A skunk was seen near the corner of Kroeker Avenue and Main Street, near Steinbach City Hall, and on Brandt Street Thursday afternoon. James Korosil works for Winnipeg Wildlife Control Services which deals with pests such as skunks all over southern Manitoba. He says a skunk out in the open during the daytime throws up red flags.

"Skunks are a nocturnal animal meaning that it is doing something abnormal which could indicate that it is indeed sick. It is common for young skunks to be out during the day, not doing that but more so playing close to where they are denning but adult skunks especially at this time of year it is very odd so there is definitely potential it could be sick."

Korosil recommends reporting skunks to the municipal office or a private exterminator. He says many cities and towns do not do their own wildlife control but rather contract it out.

"Stay away definitely, not necessarily it is going to have rabies, but skunks are Manitoba’s number one carrier of rabies, it could be distemper, anything is possible. Definitely, if you have an adult skunk roaming around during the day, report it."

The skunk in Steinbach