Skunks are a common encounter during the summer and spring seasons. But where do skunks go in winter? When the snow starts falling, do Skunks hibernate, or do they have another winter strategy?
This article will explore skunks’ winter behaviour, whether they hibernate or stay active in winter, and talk in detail about preventing skunk infestations during cold months.
Exploring the Winter Life of Skunks
As temperatures drop, many of us begin to question what skunks do in winter. During winter, these mischievous creatures search for places to nest. While skunks are less likely to be seen in winter, do skunks hibernate? Skunks enter a state of deep sleep, often confused with hibernation. They don’t fully hibernate; rather enter a state called torpor. This is a period of reduced physiological activity characterized by reduced metabolism, allowing them to conserve energy.
During winter, skunks take refuge in their dens and sometimes share space with other skunks to conserve heat. Unlike other animals like squirrels, which store food for winter, skunks bulk up during the fall to build a thick layer of fat, which they use in colder months. This is why they occasionally emerge on milder days from their burrows in search of food, especially when temperatures rise above freezing. During these moves, they can dig up your gardens and lawns in pursuit of earthworms and berries.
Skunks and Hibernation. What is Torpor?
To properly understand skunk winter behaviour, you must understand the difference between hibernation and torpor. Hibernation involves a significant drop in body temperature and metabolic rate causing the animal to remain inactive for extended periods.. A hibernating animal stays inactive for a period. It is a period of long-term deep dormancy. While both hibernation and torpor allow animals to survive through unfavourable conditions, torpor is a state where physiological activity is reduced.
During torpor, the body temperatures and metabolic rates fall, which allows skunks to conserve energy. During this period, skunks occasionally wake up and become active in search of food. This behaviour allows skunks to gather enough energy to survive the lengthy cold. Torpor enables skunks to survive the chilling winters while still occasionally foraging for food
Diet and Foraging Behaviour of Skunks in Winter
Unlike animals like squirrels, which gather and store food for winter, skunks occasionally leave their burrows to search for food. However, the foraging behaviour changes due to limited food. Also, with torpor, the physiological activities are reduced, and the skunks efficiently conserve energy by staying cozy in their dens for longer durations.
Skunks are opportunistic feeders; they leave their dens on slightly warmer days to head out and search for sustenance. However, in the scarcity of food, their diet consists primarily of leftover fruits, nuts, and even insects. They also search through garbage cans and compost bins in residential areas.
Where Do Skunks Nest in Winter?
Skunks usually prepare different dens at different times of year. This means their winter burrows are not the same as where they raise their young. If we talk about skunks’ denning habits, then they are more inclined to quiet, undisturbed spots to create warm, comfy burrows. For example, they find great comfort under your deck, porch, or foundation. Garden sheds and basements are also desirable nesting spots.
Once temperatures start falling, skunks start preparing their den by blocking its entrance with leaves, grass, and other insulating materials. Now, a warm sanctuary for winter napping sessions is ready.
How to Identify Skunk Activity in Your Home?
Skunks can become a nuisance as they burrow through gardens, make dens under sheds, and, how can one forget their foul-smelling spray? These creatures can cause significant property damage by digging burrows in your garden and chewing on structural elements. It is, therefore, important to recognize the subtle indications of winter wildlife around homes to prevent skunk infestations during cold months. Here are a few signs to look out for.
Tracks: You can observe distinct tracks in the snow. Skunks leave distinct five-toed footprints in the snow. These impressions indicate their food search. Keep an eye on these trails to recognize their movement patterns.
Odor: The most obvious indication of a skunk is its recognizable smell. They release a pungent odor whenever they feel threatened. If you smell a foul scent in the air around your yard or home, there is a good chance a skunk is residing around your house.
Burrowing and Digging: Skunks are famous for digging burrows in the ground. Look out for small holes in your garden or freshly disturbed soil in your garden. Also, keep an eye on any disruption to your garbage bins. These signs are a definitive indication of Skunk presence.
Nocturnal Noises: Though generally quiet, skunks may produce soft squeals or rustling noises when active at night. Look out for mild squealing or scurrying sounds. You may also observe rustling in your yard, especially at nighttime.
Effective Ways To Prevent Skunk Infestation in Winter
The best way to prevent skunk infestation in winter is to prevent them from making a den in your home. If you are concerned about skunks inhabiting your homes, you must take measures to make your property less appealing to the animal. Here are a few steps you can take to keep the animal away from your home.
Sealing all Crannies: A skunk can make its den in any small opening or hole in your porch or lawn. You must take measures to seal any nooks and crannies.
Secure Trash: Make sure all lids are on your trash cans and bins are secure. The trash and compost are a plentiful food source for skunks. You can use mothballs around your property to repel skunks.
Install Fencing: A rather effective way to keep skunks away is to install fencing, as skunks are poor climbers. However, make sure the fence has no openings to allow skunks to squeeze in.
Lighting & Noise: Skunks are nocturnal animals, and loud human noise or brightly lit areas often scare them away. Make your yard bright with lights or use motion-activated lights to keep skunks away.
Conclusion
In the scarcity of food and extreme weather conditions, skunks will do their best to dig a burrow anywhere suitable. They enter a state of torpor, characterized by reduced physiological activity; however, they leave occasionally in search of food.
To prevent skunks from making dens on your property, you must take a few strict measures, These include securing garbage bins and compost areas, lighting up your yard, and installing fencing. You may also install a high-quality fence around your property. However, if you notice repeated infestation or are concerned about your property damage, it is perhaps time you call Safe Home Pest Services. We offer professional support with wildlife control in winter to make your home a safe and comfortable place for you and your loved ones.
FAQs
Do skunks hibernate during the winter months?
Skunks do not hibernate; they rather enter a state called Torpor. During this period, the metabolic rates of skunks decrease, and they stay inactive for longer durations. Skunks occasionally leave their dens, especially at night, in search of food.
Why do skunks become less active in cold weather?
Skunks become less active during winter and enter a state of torpor. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy as food is scarce and the weather is harsh.
Where do skunks go when it gets cold?
To survive the cold, skunks dig burrows and prepare underground dens in quiet, undisturbed spots. They can prepare dens under porches, foundations, gardens, and in basements.
Do skunks store food for winter?
Unlike animals like squirrels that store food for winter, skunks occasionally leave their dens to search for food. This is because they do not exactly hibernate, but rather enter a state of less activity. They forage for food when temperatures are warm.
Can skunks cause problems under decks or sheds in winter? Yes. Skunks may cause damage by burrowing, spraying, or nesting under decks, sheds, or porches. They also secrete foul-smelling spray and can cause diseases like rabies in pets and humans.
Do skunks hibernate alone or in groups?
Although skunks are seen as solitary animals, they may den together in groups during colder periods to stay warm.
What signs indicate a skunk is living near your home in winter? If a skunk has taken refuge in your home, you may experience burrowing and digging noises, as they are excellent diggers. You can also smell a foul scent around your home that is characteristic of this animal. You can keep an eye on tracks and trails on snow and at unusual nocturnal noises when they leave their den in pursuit of food.
