Bird feeders are a delightful addition to any yard, attracting various birds. However, they can also inadvertently attract other wildlife, leading many to wonder if skunks eat bird seed. Understanding skunk diet and what draws them to feeders is key to managing their presence and maintaining a bird-friendly environment.
Understanding Skunk Diet
Skunks are omnivorous animals, meaning their diet consists of both plant and animal matter. Their primary food sources include a wide variety of insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, and larvae, which they often dig for in lawns. They also consume small mammals like mice, voles, and moles, along with fruits, berries, nuts, and fungi. While bird seed is not a primary component of their natural diet, skunks are opportunistic foragers and will readily eat any bird seed they find, especially what has fallen from feeders. Their diet can shift seasonally, with insects being more prevalent in warmer months and small mammals or carrion becoming more significant in colder periods.
Why Bird Feeders Attract Skunks
Bird feeders attract skunks for several reasons beyond just the bird seed itself. Spilled bird seed on the ground is an easily accessible food source for these nocturnal scavengers. The presence of spilled seed also attracts insects and grubs, which are a preferred food for skunks, making the area around feeders a hunting ground. Additionally, bird baths or standing water near feeders can provide a water source, further enhancing the appeal of the location.
Deterring Skunks from Bird Feeders
To effectively deter skunks from bird feeders, several practical strategies can be implemented. Regularly cleaning up spilled bird seed beneath feeders is important, as this removes a primary attractant for skunks and other wildlife. Using a seed tray underneath the feeder can help catch discarded seeds, preventing them from scattering on the ground. Consider employing skunk-proof feeders or installing baffles on feeder poles, which are designed to prevent climbing access to the seed. These baffles are typically cone or dome-shaped and can be placed around the pole to deter skunks and other climbing animals.
Securing all potential food sources around your property also helps reduce attraction. This includes storing bird seed in tightly sealed containers, keeping trash cans with secure, tight-fitting lids, and bringing pet food indoors, especially overnight. Motion-activated lights can startle skunks, as they are nocturnal and prefer dark environments. Additionally, removing clutter or sealing off potential den sites under decks, sheds, or woodpiles can make your yard less inviting for skunks seeking shelter.