What Do Skunks Eat?

Skunks are carnivorous omnivores that prefer animal matter but readily eat plants. Insects make up a large portion of their diet year-round, especially grubs, beetles, grasshoppers, and wasps. Small mammals like shrews, mice, and voles form an important protein source. Skunks hunt rabbits and other small prey when available. Birds and their eggs provide seasonal nutrition, particularly during spring and early summer. Grubs and earthworms become abundant targets when skunks dig in soil and grass. They consume carrion when they find it. Berries and other fruits supplement their diet, especially in late summer and fall. Skunks also eat honey and will raid beehives for the protein-rich larvae. Their diet composition changes monthly based on what is easiest to obtain.

In spring, skunks increase their consumption of bird eggs and young birds as nesting season begins. Summer brings abundant insects, grubs, and earthworms, which become dietary staples. Grasshoppers and other summer insects provide energy-dense food when skunks are most active. Fall triggers feeding on berries, nuts, and other plant matter as skunks prepare for winter. Wasps, bees, and their larvae become more attractive as warm weather peaks. Autumn fruits like berries from viburnum and other shrubs are consumed heavily. Winter forces skunks to eat more stored fat and whatever carrion they can find. Some skunks enter torpor during harsh winters, reducing food needs. Spring arrival of fresh vegetation provides new plant sources. This seasonal shifting means a skunk's diet might be 80% insects in summer but only 40% insects in fall.

Skunks in Wyoming and other western states rely more heavily on prairie-dwelling insects and small mammals. Grasshoppers and ground-dwelling beetles are abundant in open grasslands. Western skunks also eat sage brush and prickly pear fruits when available. In Wisconsin and eastern states, skunks have access to more diverse forests and agricultural areas. Eastern skunks benefit from greater fruit production and forest-dwelling insects. Wisconsin populations eat more earthworms and grubs due to moist soils. West Virginia skunks in Appalachian habitats access different plant species including mapleleaf viburnum berries. Forest skunks dig extensively for grubs in leaf litter and rotting logs. Skunks in agricultural regions supplement their diet with corn and other farm products. Suburban skunks near human settlements exploit trash, pet food, and garden insects more than wild populations.

Skunks are diggers first and hunters second. Their powerful front claws excavate soil to unearth grubs, roots, and burrowing insects. They turn over rocks and logs searching for beetles and spiders. Skunks use their sense of smell to locate food beneath the ground surface. Night foraging is typical as skunks are primarily nocturnal. They move slowly through grass and leaf litter, pausing to dig when they detect prey. Skunks sometimes climb short distances to reach bird nests and fruits. Their digging creates visible holes and mounds that indicate active foraging areas. Skunks have excellent smell but weaker eyesight compared to many predators. They are more methodical than rushed in their feeding approach, spending hours in a small area before moving on.

Baby skunks nurse for six to eight weeks before transitioning to solid food. Young skunks first eat soft insects and grubs brought by their mother. Larvae are preferred early food as they are easier to digest than adult insects. Juvenile skunks follow their mother on foraging trips, learning which foods are safe and where to find them. Teaching occurs through observation and trial as young skunks develop foraging skills. By two months old, young skunks eat mostly insects and small prey alongside nursing. Weaning is gradual, with solid food becoming the primary diet by eight weeks. Young skunks in fall consume more plant material as they prepare for their first winter. Adult feeding behavior is established by autumn of their first year.

Skunks readily eat garbage, pet food, and garden insects near human homes. They dig in yards and gardens for grubs and earthworms, which benefits soil but damages turf. Unsecured trash cans attract skunks searching for food scraps. Pet food left outdoors is often consumed by visiting skunks. Beehives can be damaged or destroyed as skunks eat the larvae inside. Do not feed skunks directly, as this creates dependency and increases property conflicts. Remove food sources by securing trash, feeding pets indoors, and protecting gardens. Skunks are not aggressive toward people seeking food, they simply ignore human presence. Their digging activity can be reduced by eliminating grubs through lawn treatment. Motion-activated lights discourage nocturnal foraging in residential areas.

Skunks eat a more omnivorous diet than most weasels, which are strict meat eaters. Weasels focus on hunting small mammals and birds. Opossums also eat insects and plants but prefer carrion more than skunks do. Badgers are omnivorous but hunt larger prey and eat less plant matter. Raccoons have very similar omnivorous diets to skunks, eating insects, small mammals, fruits, and garbage. The main difference is raccoons climb and hunt in trees more often than skunks. Foxes eat similar prey but hunt more actively and rely less on digging. Ground squirrels eat primarily plants and nuts, competing with skunks only for certain seeds and fruits. Skunks occupy a unique ecological role by being efficient grub diggers that benefit lawns and gardens through pest control. Visit wildlife resources for more information about predators in Wyoming, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.