Love stinks: Skunk mating starts early in northern California.

SACRAMENTO, CA (KTXL/CNN) – When the sun goes down over the Sacramento River, the skunks come out of hiding.

And let’s just say, love is in the air.

Skunk mating season normally peaks after Valentine’s Day (are you listening Pepé Le Pew?), but because of the unusually warm winter weather, the annual ritual may be off to an early start, according to wildlife experts.