Skunk Spotted In Prospect Park Could Be First Recorded Sighting

PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN — Pepé Le Pew prowls Prospect Park, according to a photo documenting what could be first-ever reported skunk sighting in Brooklyn's back yard.

Marty Woess — the Prospect Park Alliance's Forestry, Wildlife and Aquatic Technician — spotted the furry stinker scuttling in the berms between the Garfield Tot Lot and Grand Army Plaza on Monday, an alliance spokesperson confirmed.

The Parks Department said this could be the first Prospect Park skunk sighting on record, but noted that doesn't mean skunks haven't been seen in the park before, as preservationists from W.I.L.D For Prospect Park suggested on Facebook.

"Yes! A Skunk!" W.I.L.D. For Prospect Park wrote. "Skunks have been seen in many neighborhoods but apparently this is the first one we’ve heard of in the park."

Skunks are a part of city wildlife and can be found across the five boroughs, but mostly in The Bronx and Northern Manhattan, Parks officials said.

The black-and-white mammals aren't aggressive, but for very obvious reasons, officials recommend viewing them from a distance.

It is not known how many skunks call New York City home.

The state's Parks Department notes the most common skunk in New York is Mephitis mephitis, which translates roughly to "double foul odor," a skunk that enjoys open fields and nut-producing trees.

Skunks spray only when they feel threatened, so officials say its best to keep your distance and your dog on a leash to avoid their “eau de resistance.”

Their funky spray can fly about 10 feet, according to the Parks Department.

Should you have a double foul encounter, the best bets for getting rid of the stink are washing with tomato juice; a mixture of baking soda, peroxide and liquid detergent; vanilla extract; apple cider vinegar and lemon juice; among others.

But, according to W.I.L.D For Prospect Park, the best defense is common sense.

"Please give our friend space," they wrote. "Nothing to fear!"

This story was edited to reflect the Parks Department would not confirm this was the first recorded skunk finding.