Skunks

The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is probably the most familiar species of suburban wildlife in Rhode Island. It is also the only species found in Rhode Island.  Skunks generally are nocturnal, that is, they are most active at night. It is not unusual, however, to see skunks foraging at dawn or dusk, or even in daylight hours, but this could mean they are rabid. Skunks go into periods of inactivity in extremely cold weather.

One of the major problems with skunks comes from their digging. For shelter, they prefer burrows that are often made in abandoned homes of woodchucks or other burrowing animals. They will also create their own burrows, often located in rock piles, wood piles, beneath back-yard sheds, under low porches or in holes in foundations. They prefer sloped ground to allow for better drainage.

Breeding usually takes place in February or March. Skunks can be carriers of the rabies virus.

Food Sources

Skunks usually enter yards seeking reliable food sources. Skunks are omnivorous,  which means they eat both plant and animal material. Plant material can include fruits, such as apples and pears, or berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and mulberries. During spring and summer they eat relatively more animal material because small mammals and insects are more abundant. Skunks will eat grasshoppers, crickets, potato bugs, tobacco worms, wasps and bees. With an excellent sense of smell, they are able to locate, and dig up grubs and ground nesting bees. They will also consume mice, toads,  frogs, and snakes when available. In colder weather periods, they will eat grasses, buds, and nuts. Skunks can also feed on eggs or get into poultry coops, but generally they  are unable to climb fences to gain access.

Sku nks can be helpful to farmers by feeding on pest species like insects or small mammals. They become nuisances, however, when they get into trashcans, garbage bins, and pet food. Earthworms and large, white grubs are often responsible for a skunk's  interest.  Although it may be possible to remove an individual skunk, another will likely arrive to replace it as long as reliable food is available.

Management

The most effective solution to managing skunk problems is to make the property unattractive to skunks by eliminating protective cover, potential sites for dens, and food sources (e.g., accessible pet food dishes, uncovered garbage cans, unprotected compost piles). Burrows underneath raised decks and porches are favorite denning locations for skunks and woodchucks, particularly beneath structures having lattice-work or heavy landscaping covering the perimeter, which provide perfect cover and protection from predators. 

If you find a burrow which appears fresh, you can identify the occupants by putting down a very thin sprinkling of baking flour around the opening or along any access points to the den. If it is occupied, you can identify the occupant by the tracks left in the flour (check a field guide to animal tracks). 

Fencing is one option for skunk control, but fencing an entire yard is not always practical or economical. In order for a fence to be effective, it must be buried at least 6 to 8 inches and the fence should extend in an "L" out away from the base of the fence an additional 8 to 10 inches. Skunks are efficient diggers and readily will dig under an improperly installed fence in a matter of minutes.

Skunks in Rhode Island are classified as fur-bearing mammals and can be trapped accordingly. Live trapping can be effective but will rarely provide a permanent solution to problems caused by skunks. For bait, try a can of cat food (fish) or sardines, or some  peanut butter on a cracker. Cover the trap with burlap, cloth, a plastic garbage bag or other material before positioning the trap. Cover all but the last 3 to 4 inches of the top near the door. Trapping regulations vary according to the state; Rhode Island and most other states stipulate that traps must be checked at least once every 24 hours and any animals caught must be disposed of within that time period. Relocation is not legal in Rhode Island and is not as humane as many people believe – many relocated animals perish during encounters with predators, motor vehicles, and other individuals of the same species as the displaced individual tries to return to the "home" territory. Relocation may also contribute to the spread of infectious disease (e.g., rabies and distemper) by moving animals from contaminated areas to presently uninfected regions. Homeowners also put themselves at risk of exposing themselves to these diseases if bitten or scratched when attempting to relocate nuisance animals.

Adapted from: Jim Parkhurst, Virginia Cooperative Extension, 1999; Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Useful Website

RI Department of Environmental Management

http:// www.dem.ri.gov