Skunks are highly adaptable omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter. Their diet is flexible, varying with seasons and food availability. As opportunistic eaters, they consume whatever is most accessible. This versatility allows them to thrive in diverse habitats, from dense forests to suburban areas.
Their Natural Insect-Based Diet
Insects, grubs, and larvae form a significant portion of a skunk’s natural diet, particularly during warmer months. Skunks actively forage for these invertebrates, which provide essential protein and fats, commonly consuming beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and earthworms. Skunks use their strong front claws to dig into the ground, unearthing grubs and larvae. This digging often results in small, cone-shaped holes in lawns and gardens. Slugs and snails are also part of their invertebrate diet.
Beyond Insects: Plant Matter and Small Animals
Beyond insects, skunks incorporate various other animal and plant materials into their diet. They hunt small rodents like mice and voles, using their keen sense of smell to locate prey. Skunks also consume bird eggs, amphibians such as frogs and salamanders, and small reptiles like snakes and lizards. This diverse animal protein intake is supplemented by plant-based foods, which become more prominent seasonally.
Skunks enjoy a range of plant foods including berries, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Common examples are blackberries, raspberries, apples, and grapes when ripe. They also consume roots, fungi, and grasses. In agricultural areas, skunks may forage for corn or other grains. The availability of these diverse items influences their diet throughout the year, with plant matter often more prevalent in fall and winter.
Skunks and Human Food Sources
Skunks frequently seek food in human-populated environments, drawn by easily accessible, calorie-rich options. Unsecured garbage cans and dumpsters are common foraging sites for discarded food scraps. They are also attracted to pet food left outdoors, which offers a convenient meal, and spilled birdseed from feeders can also become a food source. Skunks may also forage in vegetable gardens, consuming produce like corn, peas, and carrots. While these human-associated sources provide easy sustenance, they are not ideal for a skunk’s long-term health, and their easy availability often leads to regular visits to residential areas for convenient, high-calorie meals.