Let’s find out what does skunk poop look like and where skunks usually poop so that you can avoid the infestation at the earliest!
If you live in an area where skunk sightings are common, it’s helpful to know what signs to look for to determine their presence. One such indicator is their droppings. They not only confirm that skunks are nearby but also help you take measures to avoid their infestation. So, without any further adieu, let’s find out what skunk droppings look like below.
What Does Skunk Poop Look Like?
Skunk poop, also known as scat, has blunt ends with a smooth texture. They are dark brown to black-hued and 1/2 inch wide, 2-4 inches long. You may notice undigested food particles, such as seeds, hair, insect exoskeletons, or fruits, in their poop.
What Does Skunk Poop Smell Like?
Skunk feces have a strong, pungent odor, like pet waste or rotting food. Due to their diet of insects, small rodents, and plant material, poop also carries a slightly musky, earthy undertone.
Where Do Skunks Poop?
- Natural Habitats – Skunks prefer to poop in secluded areas like underbrush, rocks, and logs to avoid predators.
- Burrows and Dens – They excrete in their own burrows or abandoned ones of other animals, especially during winter.
- Urban and Suburban Areas – In urban or suburban settings, skunk droppings are frequently seen in gardens, sheds, and under decks.
Is Skunk Scat Dangerous?
Skunk feces can be unsafe to humans and pets due to the presence of harmful bacteria and parasites like roundworms and tapeworms. Avoid direct contact with the droppings and discard as soon you notice one with the proper precautions.
How To Clean Up Skunk Poop?
Skunk poop removal can be safely done with the following steps:
Things You’ll Need
- Plastic Bags
- Gloves
- Shovel
- Scrub Brush
- Antibacterial Soap
- Bleach and Water
Directions
- First, grab all the mentioned supplies.
- Next, wear gloves, a full-sleeved shirt, and a good-quality face mask to avoid direct contact with skunk poop.
- Carefully scoop the droppings into a plastic bag using a shovel and toss it in the trash can.
- Once it’s done, remove the top layer of soil and discard it as well.
- After that, disinfect the shovel using 1:9 bleach and water solution.
- Finally, clean your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
How to Keep Skunks Away from Your Property?
Follow the below measures to prevent the entrance of skunks into your property:
- Use tightly sealed garbage containers to prevent skunks from accessing food waste.
- Eliminate food sources such as fallen fruits, pet food leftovers, and birdseed that attract skunks.
- Never leave fallen fruits, bird seeds, and pet food outdoors, as they attract skunks.
- Bury a wooden or metal fence at least a foot or two underground around the property to keep skunks at bay.
- Make sure your garden and yard do not have water sources like pet water bowls, bird baths, and leaky tapes.
- Skunks often create dens under porches and decks. To avoid this issue, cover those areas with mesh hardware cloth.
- Trim bushes and mow your lawn on a regular basis. Also, eliminate brush and wood piles.