Skunks excrete waste, known as scat, which provides valuable clues about their presence and activities. Identifying skunk scat helps understand if these nocturnal animals are frequenting a property. This article helps recognize and differentiate skunk scat from that of other animals, covering its appearance, common locations, and safe cleanup practices.
Appearance of Skunk Scat
Skunk scat typically appears as tubular droppings, often with blunt or slightly tapered ends. These droppings usually measure about 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter and range from 1 to 4 inches in length. Skunk scat is generally dark brown to black, though color varies with diet; for example, berry consumption can make it reddish or purple.
Its content, reflecting the animal’s omnivorous diet, is a defining feature. Undigested insect exoskeletons, berry seeds, small bone fragments, fur, or plant matter are often visible within. Consistency ranges from firm to loose, influenced by recent diet. While skunks are known for their powerful spray, their scat also has a distinct, musty odor due to sulfur compounds, less intense than the spray.
Common Skunk Scat Locations
Skunks deposit scat along regular travel routes, not in communal latrines like some other animals. You might find droppings on elevated surfaces such as logs or rocks, or near den entrances. Common areas include under bushes, in garden beds, or around building perimeters and fences.
Skunks are nocturnal and often leave scat while foraging for food. Scat in noticeable locations can serve as territorial marking. Fresh scat in your yard in the morning indicates recent skunk activity nearby.
Distinguishing Skunk Scat
Differentiating skunk scat from other wildlife involves observing its size, shape, and contents. Skunk scat is generally smaller than raccoon droppings, which typically measure 2 to 4 inches long and are chunkier, often found in shared latrines. Raccoon scat may also contain more fruit or corn remnants compared to insect-heavy skunk scat.
Compared to opossum scat, which can be similar in size, skunk droppings are usually more consistently tubular, whereas opossum scat tends to be more irregular or curled. Domestic cat feces can resemble skunk scat in size, but are typically more segmented and rarely contain visible insect parts or seeds. Small dog droppings are generally larger than skunk scat and typically lack the distinct undigested food particles that characterize skunk waste.
Safety and Cleanup
Skunk scat requires careful handling due to potential health risks. Skunk droppings can harbor parasites (e.g., Baylisascaris procyonis) and pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Leptospirosis) that can infect humans. Roundworm eggs are resilient and can persist in the environment.
When cleaning skunk scat, wear protective gear, including disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection, to avoid direct contact and inhalation. Use a shovel or scoop to collect scat, placing it into a sealed, preferably double-bagged, plastic bag for outdoor trash disposal. After removal, disinfect the area with a 1:9 or 1:10 bleach and water solution, and thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.