Skunks are common nocturnal animals found in diverse habitats, including human-populated areas. Understanding their dietary habits is key to coexisting with them, as their search for food often brings them into contact with human environments.
Skunks’ Natural Diet
Skunks are omnivores, meaning their diet includes both plant and animal matter. They are also opportunistic feeders, consuming what is readily available. Their diet varies significantly with the seasons. During spring and summer, insects form a large part of their diet, including beetles, grubs, crickets, grasshoppers, and larvae. Skunks possess strong claws, which help them dig for these underground insects.
As the seasons transition to autumn and winter, skunks adjust their eating habits due to changes in food availability. Their diet then shifts to include small mammals like mice, voles, and shrews, along with carrion and bird eggs. Plant-based foods such as berries, fruits, nuts, roots, and fungi also contribute to their natural diet, becoming more prominent when other food sources are scarce.
Foods That Attract Skunks to Human Environments
Skunks are drawn to residential areas because these environments offer abundant and easily accessible food sources, in addition to shelter and water. Pet food left outdoors, such as cat or dog kibble, is a significant attractant due to its high protein and calorie content. Skunks are not particular about the source of their meals, making even small portions appealing.
Fallen fruit from trees and garden produce like corn, berries, and melons also tempt skunks. They will scavenge through trash for food scraps, particularly rotting meat or other strong-smelling leftovers. Spilled birdseed beneath feeders provides another easy meal, as skunks readily consume seeds that birds or squirrels knock to the ground. These readily available, high-energy foods make human environments attractive by reducing foraging effort.
Deterring Skunks Through Food Management and Other Methods
Food Management
Managing food sources is an effective strategy to deter skunks from human environments. Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids to prevent access to discarded food. Bringing pet food indoors, especially overnight, eliminates a common and easily accessible food source. Promptly clean up spilled birdseed and regularly remove fallen fruit from trees to reduce attractants. Protecting garden produce with fencing or by harvesting ripe items promptly can also safeguard crops.
Other Deterrent Methods
Other methods can also help deter skunks. Seal entry points to sheds, under decks, or porches with sturdy materials like hardware cloth to prevent dens. Clearing brush piles and maintaining a tidy yard reduces hiding spots. Motion-activated lights can startle nocturnal skunks, making an area less appealing. Motion-activated sprinklers can also be effective, and some strong scents, such as citrus, vinegar, or capsaicin-based products, may also act as repellents.