What Animals Are Skunks Afraid Of?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It may seem ironic, but skunks hate certain odors (as if they have room to judge).

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 animal can kill a skunk?

Multiple larger animals prey on the skunk, including

coyotes, foxes, American badgers

, several types of big cats and large birds of prey such as eagles and great horned owls. Humans also pose a large threat to skunks by killing them off in order to control rabies.

How do you get rid of skunks fast?

  1. Install a motion detection sprinkler. …
  2. Install an ultrasonic skunk repellent. …
  3. Sprinkle skunk repellent granules around the yard. …
  4. Build a (electric) fence around your property. …
  5. Install night lights in your yard. …
  6. Remove ALL food sources.

Are skunks afraid of owls?

They should

fear Great-horned Owls

, because they may be the skunks only major predator. Owls don’t seem to have much ability to smell.

What is the best repellent for skunks?

  • Peppermint Essential Oil.
  • BONIDE PRODUCTS INC (BND2361 Animal Repellent Granules)
  • Safer Brand Critter Ridder Animal Repellent.
  • Lulu Home Ultrasonic Animal Repeller.
  • Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent Spray.

Can a cat kill a skunk?

On the other hand,

cats are a good match to skunks

, and capable of hurting and killing them.

Is it legal to kill skunks?


Skunks are not protected by law in Alberta

. … The Wildlife Act classifies the skunk as a non- licenced animal. Skunks can be hunted or trapped year-round on private land by the property owner and during the fur trapping season by a licensed trapper.

Do skunks chase you?

If you do happen to come across skunks that have made themselves comfortable in your home, you can rest assured that

they will not chase you

. Most likely, they will run away in the opposite direction out of fear.

Where do skunks go during the day?

Skunk Habits, Diet and Biology

They usually spend their days

sleeping in dens

, although during the warm months they may bed in vegetation. Dens are usually below ground but may be found in a stream or pond banks, lumber piles, or beneath porches or in crawl spaces.

Do coffee grounds repel skunks?

Yes,

spent coffee grounds can actually repel skunks

! Similar to how coffee grounds repel deer, the bitter scent of coffee grounds may inform skunks that humans are nearby and thus, keep them away from your property.

Do any animals eat 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.

Will a fake owl keep skunks away?


Fake Owls Can Repel

such as Birds (pigeons, sparrows, starlings, crows, blackbirds, grackles, seagulls, swallows, other birds), small animals and critters (skunk, chipmunks, rodents, rabbits and squirrels.

How do you scare a skunk away without it spraying?

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.

Do skunks come out during the day?


Skunks might come out during the day if there is a food source available at a particular time

, if they have been frightened out of their daytime sleeping spot, or if there is high competition in the area at night from other nocturnal animals. Baby skunks are also commonly seen outside during the day.

Does Pine Sol deter skunks?

To repel Skunks or get them to move from under a building,

soak a rag with old fashioned Pine Sol cleaner and stuff it down their burrow

or soak a boundary line you don’t want them to cross. You can also staple rolled up towels under your deck and soak them with Pine Sol.

How do you know if a skunk is living under your house?


Holes and Shallow Burrows in the Yard

Holes present around the house’s structure, porch and foundation may also be a telltale sign of skunks in the area. Skunks dig around foundations particularly where there are cracks or depressions, in order to gain access under the house.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.