The striped skunk is an adaptable, opportunistic omnivore found across North America. These nocturnal mammals are drawn to residential areas by the easy availability of resources. Understanding what attracts them centers on recognizing the specific food, shelter, and water sources that support their survival needs.
Readily Available Food Sources
A skunk’s diet is a significant factor in attracting it to a yard, as they constantly forage for easy meals. Their natural diet heavily features invertebrates, particularly insect larvae and adult insects. Skunks actively seek out beetle grubs, such as those from Japanese and June beetles, which reside just beneath the soil surface. This search results in the telltale sign of their presence: small, cone-shaped holes, typically two to three inches in diameter, dug into the lawn.
Skunks are strongly drawn to human-provided food sources. Unsecured garbage is a major attractant, as the strong scent of decaying food, especially meat, signals a rich, accessible meal. Pet food left outdoors overnight, particularly dry kibble, offers an effortless source of nutrition. Spilled birdseed beneath feeders and uncovered compost piles containing kitchen scraps are also reliable nighttime buffet options. Skunks will also consume fallen fruits and nuts, which become more prominent in their diet during the fall.
Seeking Secure Shelter
Once a food source is established, skunks look for safe, dark, and dry locations to rest, seek protection, and raise their young. Skunks are not adept climbers, but they are skilled diggers. They prefer low-to-the-ground, secluded areas that offer immediate security.
Common den sites include the spaces beneath porches, decks, sheds, and crawl spaces. These structures provide ready-made, protected cavities that require minimal effort to enter or modify. A skunk den entrance is typically a circular hole four to six inches wide, often surrounded by loose, freshly disturbed soil. They frequently utilize abandoned burrows or create their own under dense brush or within wood and rock piles. During the colder months, they may den communally to conserve body heat.
Water and Unintentional Lures
While food and shelter are the primary attractants, accessible water sources and minor olfactory cues also draw skunks to a property. Skunks require a consistent supply of water, and residential yards often provide easy access points. Sources like pet water bowls left outside, shallow ornamental ponds, and bird baths offer simple hydration.
Even minor issues like leaky outdoor spigots or malfunctioning sprinkler heads can create small puddles that serve as dependable watering holes. The presence of strong chemical or food-related odors can serve as an unintentional lure. The smell of newly disturbed soil or the scent of rodents and other small prey attracted by yard clutter can signal potential hunting opportunities for the skunk.