What Do Skunks Eat?

Skunks are one of the most recognizable animals due to their distinctive black and white coloration and their smelly defense mechanism. But what do skunks eat?

Skunks have a mostly omnivorous diet which consists of both plant matter and animal matter. They are most commonly seen foraging on the ground for insects, worms, and other small animals such as mice, lizards, frogs, and snakes. Skunks will even venture up into trees for fruit and nuts. They also scavenge for carrion and can be seen raiding garbage cans and compost pits for food.

Insects and Worms

Insects and worms make up the majority of a skunk’s diet. Skunks will spend most of their time digging around in the dirt and grass searching for insects and worms. This can include things like grubs, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, and snails. Skunks will also eat eggs when they can find them.

Fruit and Nuts

Skunks love to eat fruit and nuts when they can find them. They will search in trees and bushes for fruit to eat. Commonly eaten fruits include apples, pears, peaches, plums, oranges, and bananas. In addition to fruit, skunks also consume nuts including acorns, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds.

Mammals and Reptiles

For those skunks living near water, they will take advantage of the abundant sources of food living in the water. Skunks will feed on any animal they can catch, including small mammals like mice, voles, and shrews. They will also consume eggs, fish, and aquatic insects such as dragonflies, damselflies, and mayflies.

Scavenging

In addition to hunting for food, skunks are also scavengers. A skunk will take advantage of any opportunities they can find, scavenging for food in garbage cans and compost pits. They have even been known to feed on roadkill and pet food left outside.

Conclusion

To sum it up, skunks are omnivorous animals that will eat just about anything they can find. Their diet consists of insects and worms, fruits, nuts, and small mammals. They will also scavenge for food, such as garbage and pet food, when available. With so many options, it’s no surprise that skunks are such successful animals.