What animal kills skunks?

Skunks have few predators—hungry coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and cougars, also large owls (which have little sense of smell). Domestic dogs will also kill skunks. Skunks also die as a result of road kills, trapping, shooting, and killing by farm chemicals and machinery.

What kills a skunk?

Ground Predators

While the exact number of species that prey on skunks is unknown, red foxes, cougars, coyotes and domestic dogs are among them. These animals tend not to prefer skunk, though, because it is difficult to successfully attack and kill one without being soaked in its pungent natural spray.

What are skunks afraid of?

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.

What animals will eat a dead skunk?

Not many predators can get past the reek in order to enjoy a meal of skunk. Their top killers are birds of prey, particularly great horned owls. Since most birds have a weak sense of smell, they're immune to the stench, rendering the slow-moving skunk an easy target when an owl or hawk gets a bead on them.

What is a natural enemy of 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.

The Science of Skunk Spray

What to do if a skunk dies in your yard?

What is the biggest threat to skunks?

Skunks have few predators—hungry coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and cougars, also large owls (which have little sense of smell). Domestic dogs will also kill skunks.

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.

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.

Does a skunk spray when it dies?

Anyone who's driven past a deceased skunk on the road knows that skunks usually spray when they die. This sometimes happens because of fear when they try to defend themselves against a person (or pet, or vehicle) and sometimes happens reflexively during or after death.

Do raccoons fight skunks?

DEAR JERRY: Raccoons and skunks aren't exactly mortal enemies, but neither are they best buds. Because both are nocturnal, they are likely to run into each other foraging. Because they didn't fight over the food, it tells me they must all be well-fed. Otherwise, you would have seen a skirmish.

Do skunks keep snakes away?

Skunks Help Control Your Local Rattlesnake Population

During warmer months, seeing a skunk in your yard or near your home means rattlesnakes will stay away.

How long do skunks live?

The average lifespan of a skunk in the wild is about 2–3 years, but they can live up to 15 years in captivity.

How do you get rid of a skunk without spraying it?

To move the skunk safely, you're going to need to cover the cage so that it doesn't get upset. Jill says to use a soft cloth like a painter's canvas tarp or an old blanket. If you use something crinkly, like a construction tarp, you risk upsetting the skunk and getting sprayed.

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.

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

Skunks generally deposit their droppings near where they eat, or on their way back to their dens. If you find skunk droppings in your yard, then they're either eating or living on your property. Skunk urine is yellow, smells pungent, and may stain hard surfaces.

Why is a skunk spraying 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.

Should I be worried about skunks in my yard?

If there are many skunks in your yard, they could tear a huge portion over a single night to access grubs and other insects in the ground. However, note that digging isn't the only issue these animals cause. They can also damage your plants as they burrow looking for food.

Can skunks bite you?

If a person approaches them quickly or ignores the warnings, they may bite and/or spray. Do not attempt to pet or feed a skunk. Skunks that are fed lose their fear of humans and are more likely to approach humans, resulting in bites. Rabies is normally transmitted by the bite of a wild or domestic rabid mammal.

Do predators avoid skunks?

Coyotes, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, and bears can all eat skunks, but they usually avoid them.

What does skunk poop look like?

Skunk droppings look similar to those of a cat and are typically found in lawns and gardens. The waste is tubular, has blunt ends, and usually measures about a quarter to half an inch in diameter and one to two inches long. Skunk poop generally contains bits of undigested insects, berry seeds, fur, or feathers.

What do you do if a skunk lives under your porch?

Soak some rags in Apple Cider Vinegar or ammonia, and put them in a plastic bag. Poke holes in the bag to let the smell escape, and hang it next to the den entrance. You can us dirty kitty litter in a plastic bag the same way. These will smell like a predator's urine and make the mother skunk feel unsafe.

What to do if you see a skunk at night?

Encountered in the Open

The night is actually beneficial for you because skunks have poor eyesight. If you see a skunk coming in your direction, the best thing you can do is stand perfectly still. Once you figure out where the animal is heading, step slowly out of its path.