Skunks, infamous for their potent spray, have a surprising diet that includes almost any food they come across, from insects to garden crops. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in diverse environments.
The Omnivorous Nature of Skunks
Skunks are infamous for their potent spray, but what do they eat? These black-and-white creatures are opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll consume just about anything they can find. Their varied diet allows them to thrive in diverse environments.
The skunk is a mammal known for its distinctive odor.
There are two main species: the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius).
Skunks have a thick, insulating coat of fur and can live up to 10 years in the wild.
They are primarily nocturnal, feeding on insects, grubs, and small vertebrates.
Skunks are also known for their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid from their anal glands as a defense mechanism.
A Seasonal Feast
In the wild, skunks’ diets change with the seasons. During late spring and early summer, they hunt more actively, feeding on:
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Small mammals such as mice, rats, and ground squirrels
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Garden pests and garden crops
Skunks rely on their keen sense of smell to search for food at night, despite their poor eyesight. If something smells edible and fits in their mouth, they’ll eat it.
Skunks are primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects, grubs, and small invertebrates.
They also consume fruits, berries, and nuts during certain seasons.
In the wild, skunks forage for food at night, using their keen sense of smell to locate prey.
A typical skunk's diet consists of 80-90% insects and 10-20% plant matter.
Skunks have been known to adapt their eating habits based on geographical location and availability of food sources.
Urban Skunks: A Tale of Human Leftovers
Skunks have adapted well to suburban and city life, thanks to easy access to human leftovers. They’re drawn to:
Urban skunks are a common sight in many cities, thriving in environments with abundant food and shelter.
These adaptable creatures have learned to coexist with humans, often scavenging for food in trash cans or gardens.
Urban skunks tend to be smaller than their rural counterparts, likely due to the availability of 'food' and lack of natural predators.
Despite initial concerns about 'disease transmission', studies show that urban skunks are generally healthy and not a significant public health risk.
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Fallen or uneaten food under bird feeders
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Open compost piles and garbage cans
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Food in close proximity to communal dens or rock crevices
Once skunks enter your yard, they may dig shallow holes in search of grubs or hang around until the food runs out. Eliminating these attractants is key to keeping skunks away.
Favorite Foods and Seasonal Variations
Skunks aren’t picky eaters, but they do have favorite foods. Insects and larvae are protein-packed go-tos, especially in warmer months. As extreme cold sets in, skunks reduce activity but may still emerge from rock piles or dens during warm spells to snack on whatever they can find.
They’ll even scavenge from other skunks or other animals, showcasing their flexible appetite. Female skunks sometimes share dens during winter, adding a cozy touch to these smelly neighbors.
Deter Skunks with Ease
To avoid surprise stink bombs, try these methods:
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Use tight lids on garbage cans and compost bins
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Regularly clean fallen fruit from your yard
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Remove rock piles and woodpiles where skunks might hide
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‘Use cayenne pepper (a smell that skunks dislike)’
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Eliminate access to bird feeders and secure garden crops
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Loud noises can scare them off, but be cautious: if skunks feel threatened, they might unleash their famous perfume
- howstuffworks.com | What Do Skunks Eat? Just About Anything They Find
