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.
What animal would kill a skunk?
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.
What is the natural enemy of a skunk?
The owl is just about the only natural enemy that the skunk has. And, what does a skunk eat? Skunks are omnivores, and they eat a variety of plant and animal foods. Their favorite food is insects.
What is harmful to skunks?
Tapeworm, roundworm, lungworm, flukes, as well as fleas, ticks, and lice and all the dangers they pose, are commonly found residing in and on skunks. These parasites can carry their own set of pathogens that can cause illnesses in people and pets.
What do most skunks die from?
One of the main killers of wild skunks is the automobile . Skunks are among the most common “road kills.” Wild skunks also die from severe weather and from diseases, such as rabies and distemper.
What is the lifespan of a skunk?
Skunks are nocturnal. The average lifespan of striped skunks in the wild is 7 years . They can live up to 10 years in human care.
Can a cat kill a skunk?
On the other hand, cats are a good match to skunks , and capable of hurting and killing them.
Can skunks climb?
Although it can climb up wire mesh, fences, and boards , it seldom climbs trees – the long nails are a definite handicap in climbing. The spotted skunk on the other hand, is an excellent climber, able to climb a tree with ease. ... Skunks molt their fur just once a year, starting in April.
Where do skunks sleep during the day?
Skunks are nocturnal, usually active from early evening through the night. 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.
How do you get skunks to leave?
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.
Will a skunk chase you?
Skunks are relatively docile and harmless animals who tend to mind their own business as long as they remain undisturbed. Generally, a healthy skunk will not chase you as skunks tend to avoid humans or animals that are larger than them. Use scent repellents to keep skunks away from you.
Do skunks burrow under houses?
So, skunks are primary suspects to live under homes , sheds and decks. Skunks have short, stubby legs which give them power to dig under foundation of at least 2 feet deep to access crawl spaces.
What should you not feed a skunk?
- NO leaf or iceberg lettuce.
- NO cat food (dry or canned) Cat food is high in fat and protein and should only be used as a last resort if a skunk won’t eat anything else.
- NO sweets.
- NO chocolate.
- NO fatty foods.
- NO fried foods.
- NO lunch meat (salami, bologna, etc.)
- NO hot-dogs.
How far will a skunk spray?
Skunks can project the fluid, emitted as a fine spray or stream, at a distance of 15 feet and have sufficient supply for five consecutive discharges. Should you and a skunk meet “face to face,” stand still or slowly back away so the skunk doesn’t feel trapped.
Why do I smell skunk at night?
Skunks are nocturnal creatures, indicating that they sleep during the day but are awake during the night. Humans can smell the spray of a skunk from up to 3.5 miles away, meaning that smelling one at night implies that the skunk is closeby . ... Usually, the stronger the smell, the more likely it is that the skunk is near.
What does it mean when your house smells like skunk?
That’s sewer gas . It’s easy to get sewer gas confused with the smell of natural gas. ... So, if you smell something like a skunk in your home, you must call the local natural gas company immediately and evacuate the building if the odor is strong—a natural gas leak can lead to a violent explosion.
