How deep is a skunk den?

The natural build of the skunk composed of short legs ensures that they are strong enough to dig as far as 2 feet deep to access living space. They will use their stubby legs to dig through the foundation and access crawl spaces underground.

What does a skunk hole look like in the ground?

Cone-shaped holes

These holes measure around 3 to 5 inches across. Skunk feeding holes look distinctively circular from the surface. Close up, you may notice that they start wide and taper inward as the skunk digs deeper into the ground. They'll be relatively shallow.

How do you know if you have a skunk den?

Persistent, faint musky smells under a building or woodpile may suggest that a skunk has taken up residence. You may find small, shallow holes in the lawn, similar to those made by squirrels, which are a result of a skunk foraging for grubs.

Do skunks leave their den every night?

From early spring until late fall, skunks migrate from den to den every few days or so. Other than possibly digging a few holes in your yard and getting into your trash, damage from skunks is not usually cause for concern. For this reason, the best course of action is to wait out their stay until they move on.

What scares a skunk away?

Citrus, ammonia, mothballs and predator urine (dog, coyote, etc) are three smells that can scare off skunks. If you use mothballs or ammonia-soaked cotton balls, be sure to keep them far away from children.

Peek Inside a Skunk Den Site

How do I permanently get rid of skunks?

A bright light or a motion sensor flood light will scare skunks away. Most animals, including skunks, dislike the smell of citrus fruits. Place orange or lemon peels around the yard as a natural skunk repellent. Predator urine (dogs, coyotes) can be used to repel a skunk.

How far do skunks wander from their den?

Skunks are nocturnal and emerge from their dens at dusk. They do travel as much as a mile a night but seldom venture more than four miles from their den.

How long do skunks stay in one den?

Skunks typically have a single litter of four to six babies in May-June; skunks den in old woodchuck burrows, hollow logs, wood or rock piles, or under buildings and stone walls. The young remain in the den for about eight weeks.

Does Irish Spring soap keep skunks away?

You can also try using cut up Irish Spring soap, Peppermint Oil extract and/or Castor Oil. In addition, if you have a mechanic's drop light, you can put it as far into the opening as possible.

What time do skunks come out at night?

Skunks are usually nocturnal, coming out well after dark, and heading back to their den around dawn.

What attracts skunks to your yard?

Skunks can be attracted to a yard or a house by certain items that might be in the yard or near the house. As stated before, bird seed and sunflower seeds are two main attractors of skunks. Pet food, garbage, grills and lumber can also attract skunks, as can openings under houses, decks or sheds.

Can I shoot a skunk in my yard?

California classifies skunks as non-game animals that can be hunted and killed. However, much of the Sierra Mountains are off limits for night hunting, and it is illegal to use skunk bait or poisons. Licensed firearms may be used to kill skunks where discharge of firearms is otherwise permitted.

How small of a hole can a skunk get into?

Skunks can flatten themselves down to less than 75% their height to fit in small holes or under doors.

What animal makes 1 inch holes in the ground?

Holes One to Two Inches

Small holes less than two inches in diameter are often used by snakes, voles, rats, thirteen-lined ground squirrels, least weasels, Franklin's ground squirrels, or lemmings. There is usually not much extra soil around the opening of these holes.

Can skunks smell house linger?

A mild skunk smell in your house can last up to three weeks, dissipating over time with proper ventilation. However, if you leave stronger smells untreated, they can last for months or years, becoming more difficult to remove the longer they sit.

What time of day are skunks most active?

They are most active at night, but will sometimes venture out in the daylight hours in search of food or to find a mate. Skunks do not hibernate, although they do stay within their dens during colder temperatures. Other than during mating season, they spend most of their time alone.

What eats skunks?

Coyotes, foxes, dogs, bobcats, mountain lions, badgers and big owls can all eat skunks but rarely do. Gehrt's research shows that less than 5 percent of skunk mortality is caused by predators.

Do skunks come back to the same place every year?

Striped skunks use different den sites at different times of year, so their winter burrow will usually not be the same place where they raised their young. While capable of digging their own winter burrows, skunks are more inclined to seek residency in spaces that belong to someone else.

How many skunks usually live together?

Typically solitary pests, skunks can be drawn together during colder weather in these makeshift homes, sometimes with as many as 20 individuals living together.

Why do skunks spray every night?

Skunks That Spray in the Night

It isn't uncommon for these shy and generally docile animals to use their primary form of defence at night. A skunk sprays when it feels threatened or is startled. Females also use their stench to tell a potential suitor that his attentions are not welcome.

How do you tell if a skunk is living in your yard?

What food is poisonous to skunks?

Do skunks go away on their own?

Skunks will naturally leave your property on their own when given time if they have not established a home in your yard. Skunks are timid animals and can frighten easily, so they are unlikely to settle in your area if you a frequently out in the garden or have pets such as a dog to deter them.

Are skunks aggressive?

A skunk is one of the most peace-loving, non-aggressive animals you could ever meet. Skunks are also extremely nearsighted. They will only “shoot” their defensive spray when frightened, and they give you plenty of time to back off by stamping their front feet as a warning.