Skunks are so common in North America that the chances of seeing one are very great, whether you live in an urban area or the suburbs. They are even more sighted during the summer because they are all out and about gathering food and rummaging through garbage. The story is entirely different in the winter however, because skunk sightings are often rare during the winter.
Unlike most animals that enter into a state of hibernation during winter, skunks do not hibernate rather, they go into a deep sleep state also known as a torpor state and they can wake up from time to time during the winter. They huddle in their dens and wait for the winter to pass. Many animals gather food during the summer so as to have a reserve during winter but skunks eat as much as they can during the summer in order to get a fat deposit under their skin for warmth during the winter. The stored fat is slowly metabolized during the dormancy period.
As winter approaches, skunks can be seen looking for dens for winter. They often use different dens for the different seasons in the year. They will often not stay in the same den they used in raising their young. Skunks prefer a den close to a food source for the winter, in case they run out of food and need to feed. This is why you may notice a skunk nesting on your property during the winter months.
Although skunks are able to dig their own burrows for winter, they prefer to use dens previously dug and abandoned by other animals or hollowed spaces under porches and sheds. In urban areas where there are few animals and burrows, they can den under porches, basements, or even attics and dens of buildings and houses. As it gets colder in the winter months, the skunk moves further inside the den and plugs the entrance using leaves and grass to keep the cold air out. Although skunks are solitary for most parts, they can sometimes burrow together for extra warmth. This has an advantage in thermoregulation.
Skunks in the torpor state have reduced metabolism, temperature, and breathing. However, there is still minimal bodily activity going on and they can still wake up from time to time, unlike hibernation. If they wake up on a day when the temperature is 30 degrees or above, they may decide to go hunting for food at night. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see them at such times. Their diet during the winter consists majorly of grubs, leaves, berries, earthworms, insects, eggs, tiny snakes, etc. They can also dig through garbage and trash cans in search of food. Grubs are abundant in the winter months as they lie dormant underground. They are easily dug up and eaten by skunks. Even during winter, skunks are nocturnal and mostly go out at night to look for food. If they find pet food or garbage that is not properly disposed of on your property, they may likely eat it. Therefore, if you want to discourage skunks from your property, the first thing to do is make sure that food is scarce. They will likely not spend the winter in places where food is difficult to get. Remove grubs from your garden and block any cozy space that may serve as shelter during the winter. Dispose of all garbage properly in tight lid containers and keep pet food away from your surroundings.
Finally, fortify your home against skunks before the winter begins. Close any entry or exit points to your property. You may also erect a fence around your property to discourage skunks from invading. This is because once they have chosen your property as the location to wait out winter, they will most likely not leave until winter is over.
Go back to the Mercer County wildlife removal home page.