If you have reason to believe that you have a skunk that's taken up residence in your yard, it's important to address the problem as soon as possible by having the skunk trapped and relocated. However, most people aren't familiar with the signs of skunks beyond just their smell, so it may be difficult for you to know for sure that it's a skunk you're dealing with. Here are some of the most common signs that a skunk has burrowed on your property.
It's More About What You Smell Than What You See
When it comes to identifying skunks as the unwanted guests on your property, your first, and most accurate indication really does come from your sense of smell. Skunks are nocturnal, so there's a pretty good chance that you smell far more of the skunk than you see. If you believe you have a skunk somewhere in your yard, such as under a shed where you notice the odor the strongest, consider setting up some nighttime trail cameras to capture it as it ventures out for the evening. That way, you can be certain of what you're dealing with.
There Are Telltale Marks To Look For
When you're dealing with a skunk on your property, you'll often find their prints near the hole where they've burrowed, as well as sometimes around your garden or flower beds. A skunk's paws are five-toed and their claws usually are partially visible in their prints. If you see these prints near spaces where there are holes dug, such as in your flower beds where they may be looking for grubs, or around the hole where you believe they have burrowed, that's another confirmation that it's a skunk you're dealing with.
They Leave Their Droppings Behind
Many people say that skunks remind them of cats, and for good reason. They do tend to behave a little bit like cats sometimes. In addition, skunk waste looks a lot like cat waste, only skunks don't bury theirs. If you see droppings that look a lot like a cat but seem drier than cat poo, and there has been no attempt to bury it, there's a good chance it's from a skunk.
Just smelling skunk isn't enough confirmation that you have one on your property. Instead, you should be looking at all of the indications to see if, collectively, they indicate the likely presence of a skunk. Then, you can call a local skunk removal service to address it for you.
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