What plants do striped skunks eat?
They forage for plant life like corn, cherries, grapes and berries, whether or not they are fresh. Skunks prefer food that has already fallen to the ground, making it more accessible, and consequently eat rotting fruits and other crops that humans would not harvest anyway.
Where does the striped skunk usually live?
Striped skunks live in several different types of habitats, including forests, grasslands, meadows and even suburban areas. They are mostly nocturnal and tend to live on their own. Rather than digging their own burrows, they will usually try to find burrows abandoned by other animals or live in hollowed logs.
Do striped skunks have predators?
Predation. Because of its formidable defensive capability, the striped skunk has few natural enemies. Such predators include cougars, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, and red and gray foxes.
How does a striped skunk survive?
During the day, skunks find shelter in dens, which they might burrow themselves or borrow from another creature. During the winter, skunks will remain in their dens amidst beds of leaves and grass, but warmer months may tempt them to make homes above ground in thickets of vegetation.
Are skunks good for anything?
Although skunks are sometimes seen as a nuisance, they are actually beneficial to farmers, gardeners, and landowners because they feed on a large number of agricultural and garden pests. Their scent is used for musk and skunks are also trapped for use in the pet trade, which is illegal in Washington.
What time of year are skunks most active?
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Skunks are most active from February into early March. Although a warm day like the one we had Sunday can get them moving, they’re really on the move because they’re looking for a mate. Animal control experts say this is their prime mating season.
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.
How many times can a skunk spray in an hour?
Skunks can spray up to six times in succession once they’ve decided to use their most effective defence mechanism.
Are skunks bad to have around?
Skunks do not pose a threat to your home or your lawn. In fact, they actually snack on critters that do. If you can manage the skunk population to keep numbers down, and if the creatures are healthy, a skunk or two in your area can benefit your lawn by keeping property-destroying animal populations at bay.
What is the natural enemy of a skunk?
The few predators of skunks include coyotes, foxes, bobcats and large owls (which have little or no sense of smell). Domestic dogs will also kill skunks. Skunks also die as a result of road-kill, trapping, shooting, farm chemicals, and farm machinery.
How do you get rid of skunks permanently?
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.
What attracts skunks to an area?
Skunks are opportunists at heart — they’re mainly attracted to low-hanging fruit like garbage and pet food left out at night, as well as convenient denning sites, such as wood and rock piles, elevated sheds, openings under concrete slabs and porches and crawl spaces.
What is poisonous to skunks?
Poisonous substances used on skunks include Anticoagulants like warfarin, Antifreeze (Ethylene glycol) Bromethalin (rat poison), Cholecalciferol, and Strychnine.
Can I kill a skunk in my yard?
California classifies skunks as non-game animals that can be hunted and killed. A Havahart cage trap or a cylindrical trap is required—but it is not then lawful to relocate the skunk.