Primary foods for skunks are rodents and grubs. Brown/Norway rats have a gestation rate of 21 days and can produce up to 14 babies. With more control of the cat population which also depends on rodents, there is more "food" for skunks. If you eliminate the skunks, you will be overrun with rats who love dune and wetland areas. You might try living with nature by securing your trash and not over watering your lawn that brings grubs closer to the surface which attracts skunks. Walk your dog on a leash, turn on your outside lights when you go out in the evening. No skunk wants to meet you.