Nocturnal Digging in Fenced Yards: Skunks Squeeze Through

Skunks Don’t Climb—They Squeeze

A 3–4 inch gap under a fence is plenty. “Big hair” makes them look larger than the opening they need.

Why They Stop Digging

Insects (grubs, beetles) are seasonal. When density drops below the effort threshold, skunks move on—like stopping coin-hunting on a beach when finds get scarce.

What to Do

• Seal fence bottom with hardware cloth buried 6 inches.
• Reduce grub population with milky spore or nematodes in late summer.
• Remove other attractants: pet food, fallen fruit, accessible compost.

Key Point

Skunks are transient foragers. Exclusion + habitat modification = long-term solution.