Skunks are nocturnal mammals known for their distinctive black and white markings. Their activity is rooted in two biological needs: finding sustenance and seeking shelter. Skunks use their long, strong front claws to root and dig. The majority of the digging observed in lawns and gardens is tied to their omnivorous diet, as they search for protein beneath the soil surface.
The Primary Quarry: Insect Larvae and Grubs
The most frequent reason a skunk digs is to forage for invertebrate prey, particularly the larvae of various beetles. These beetle larvae, often called white grubs, are a calorically dense food source that skunks easily locate with their acute sense of smell. Skunks detect the grubs living just beneath the turf and use their claws to quickly excavate them. This foraging behavior is especially noticeable during the spring and fall when grubs are closest to the soil surface.
The C-shaped grubs, such as those from Japanese beetles or June bugs, are appealing because they are relatively immobile and offer high fat content. Skunks also dig for cutworms, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling insects to supplement their diet. A population of five or more grubs per square foot is enough to attract a hungry skunk.
Beyond Food: Digging for Shelter and Den Construction
While foraging accounts for most surface digging, skunks also dig holes for shelter and den construction. Skunks are not expert excavators, so they prefer to find and modify existing burrows left by animals like groundhogs or foxes. They will use their powerful front claws to dig a new den when suitable existing shelter is unavailable.
The purpose of these dens is to provide a safe, protected space for sleeping, winter dormancy, or raising their young. A female skunk will excavate a new den before giving birth and shelter her litter of kits there for about two months. These den entrances are deeper and more permanent than foraging holes, often located under decks, sheds, or woodpiles where they benefit from existing protection.
Identifying the Signs of Skunk Digging
Skunk foraging activity leaves behind a specific signature that can be differentiated from the digging of other animals. The holes are small and shallow, typically measuring about three to four inches in diameter. These excavations often appear as cone-shaped or inverted depressions, looking as though the skunk poked its nose into the ground and scraped out the immediate area.
This pattern of small, scattered divots is distinct from the damage caused by raccoons, which typically lift and roll back larger patches of turf. If a homeowner finds a larger, more defined hole, approximately four to eight inches wide, often near a foundation or structure, it is more likely a den entrance rather than a foraging spot.