Skunks often visit residential areas, and their presence can be noticed through the small holes they dig in lawns and gardens. These digging activities are a natural behavior, driven by their search for food and, less frequently, for shelter. Understanding the characteristics of these holes helps identify if a skunk is the cause of disturbed patches in your yard.
Typical Skunk Hole Dimensions
Skunk holes created during foraging are typically small and shallow. These cone-shaped holes measure about 2 to 5 inches in diameter and up to 4 inches deep. They often resemble small divots or craters, with a ring of loosened soil around them where the skunk pressed its nose and dug with its front claws. Skunks often create numerous such holes in an area, which can make the ground appear significantly disturbed.
Skunks also dig larger holes for dens, which serve as shelter for resting or raising young. These burrow entrances are around 8 inches in diameter and are deep enough that the bottom may not be visible, sometimes extending a foot or more underground. Den holes are usually found in more secluded spots, often near or under existing structures.
Where and Why Skunks Dig
Skunks primarily dig in lawns, gardens, and other soft ground areas. Their digging is motivated by their diet, as they are omnivores that forage for insects, grubs, and other small creatures beneath the soil. They have sharp claws well-suited for excavating these food sources. This foraging behavior is common in late summer and fall when grubs and insect larvae are abundant.
Skunks also dig for shelter. They may create burrows for denning under structures like sheds, decks, porches, fallen logs, or rock piles. These dens provide a safe, protected space for resting and raising their young, particularly during colder months. A faint, musky odor nearby can sometimes indicate the presence of such burrows.
Distinguishing Skunk Holes from Other Animal Diggings
Identifying skunk holes involves observing their distinct characteristics and differentiating them from other common backyard animal digging patterns. Skunk foraging holes are typically small, cone-shaped, and relatively shallow, appearing as precise, scattered excavations.
Raccoons also search for grubs and insects, but their digging is more extensive. They often pull up and flip over entire pieces of sod, leaving larger patches of torn-up turf rather than small holes. This can make a lawn look as if sections of grass have been rolled back.
Squirrels create smaller, neater holes, usually for burying or retrieving nuts and seeds. Their holes are often more irregular in shape and can be deeper.
Moles and voles create different types of ground disturbances. Moles are known for their raised tunnels or “molehills,” which are mounds of loose soil pushed to the surface. Voles typically create small burrow openings at ground level, often concealed under vegetation, and visible runways through grass rather than distinct holes.