Skunks are common mammals found across North America, inhabiting diverse environments from woodlands to urban areas. They are recognized by their distinctive black fur with prominent white stripes. Primarily nocturnal, skunks rest in their dens during the day and emerge at dusk to forage.
Skunks and Birds: Opportunistic Encounters
Skunks are omnivores with opportunistic feeding habits, consuming nearly any accessible food source. They do not typically hunt healthy, adult, flying birds, as these are too fast to capture. However, skunks do consume bird eggs and nestlings, using their strong sense of smell and sharp claws to locate ground nests. They may also prey on sick, injured, or incapacitated birds, and in urban settings, might scavenge on those that have already died. These instances of bird consumption are situational, driven by easy availability.
The Skunk’s Main Menu
A skunk’s diet is highly varied and adapts with the changing seasons, focusing on readily available foods. Insects constitute a large portion of their diet, particularly in spring and summer, including grubs, beetles, crickets, and larvae. Skunks frequently dig small holes in lawns while searching for these insects.
Their diet also includes small mammals such as mice, voles, and shrews. Fruits like berries and apples, along with nuts, become more significant food sources in the autumn. Skunks also consume amphibians, reptiles, and earthworms. In areas near human habitation, skunks often consume discarded pet food, birdseed, and garbage.
Keeping Birds Safe from Skunks
Protecting backyard birds and poultry from skunks involves several practical measures.
Secure Coops and Runs
Securing chicken coops and runs is a primary step. Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth, burying it at least 12 inches underground to prevent digging. Reinforce all entry points, ensuring gaps are no larger than one inch. Elevating coops can also make them less accessible.
Remove Outdoor Food Sources
Removing outdoor food sources significantly reduces skunk attraction. Store pet food indoors, secure garbage and compost bins with tight-fitting lids, and promptly clean up fallen fruit. Regularly collecting eggs from nests also helps remove potential attractants.
Discourage Denning
Discourage denning by clearing brush piles and sealing gaps under structures like decks and sheds with hardware cloth. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can deter skunks by startling them.