Skunks are omnivorous animals. Their diet includes both plant and animal matter, varying significantly with seasonal availability. Their opportunistic feeding habits allow them to thrive in diverse habitats, from wild natural areas to suburban landscapes.
Natural Foraging
In their natural habitats, skunks primarily forage for a wide array of invertebrates. They commonly dig for insects such as beetle larvae, grubs, and earthworms, often leaving small, cone-shaped holes in the ground. Other invertebrate prey includes crickets, grasshoppers, slugs, and snails. Skunks play a role in controlling insect populations within their ecosystems.
Beyond invertebrates, skunks also consume small vertebrates. Their diet can include small rodents like mice and voles, as well as bird eggs and nestlings found on the ground. Frogs, snakes, and carrion are also part of their natural diet.
Plant matter forms another important component of a skunk’s natural diet. They consume wild berries such as blackberries and raspberries, along with various fallen fruits like apples and pears. Nuts, including acorns and walnuts, roots, fungi, and seeds are also eaten.
Opportunistic Feeding in Human Areas
Skunks living near human populations often adapt their diets to include available food sources. They frequently scavenge for pet food left outdoors, which offers an easy meal. However, these foods may not provide the balanced nutrition a skunk naturally requires.
Fallen fruits from garden trees are often consumed by skunks in suburban settings. Garden vegetables, including corn, beans, and melons, can also become part of their diet. These human-cultivated foods provide energy but can sometimes lead to dietary imbalances if they become a primary food source.
Unsecured trash cans and compost piles offer another accessible food source for skunks. They might rummage through discarded human food items. Although these items provide calories, they often contain high levels of salt, sugar, or unhealthy fats, which are not conducive to a skunk’s long-term health.
Foods That Harm Skunks
Certain human foods are toxic or detrimental to skunks and should never be offered. Chocolate and caffeine contain compounds like theobromine and methylxanthines, which can cause heart problems or seizures. Alcohol can lead to intoxication and organ damage.
Processed human foods can cause digestive issues, obesity, and other health problems for skunks. These items lack the essential nutrients found in their natural diet. Avocado contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Onions and garlic contain thiosulphates, which can lead to anemia in skunks. Artificial sweeteners like xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels and liver failure. Small, hard items like bones or fruit pits can also pose choking hazards or cause internal injuries.