Urban Skunks

• Skunks inhabit the 48 states of the U.S. mainland and are also found in Canada and Mexico. As meadowland and woodland become more urbanized, the skunk has adapted and makes home in heavily populated areas. Skunks may build their nests under porches or in outdoor structures on your property. This adaptation to suburban and urban life includes raiding your garden and compost pile for food.
  
  

Compost Pile as Food Source

• The smell of the fresh kitchen scraps thrown in compost piles attracts the skunks, and they rummage through the rest of the decomposing materials to find those scraps. It isn't the compost pile that attracts the skunks; it's the fresh foods in the compost pile. The potato peels, broccoli stalks and blossom ends of the tomato you throw into the compost pile may become these nocturnal creatures' late-night dinner, but they are not vegetarian. Skunks are omnivores, eating both plants and animals, and they prefer insects, bugs and mice. A compost pile also attracts insects, bugs and mice, making your backyard garden a popular place for urban skunks to visit.
  
  

Protect Your Compost from Skunks

• The scent of fresh scraps and bugs attracts skunks to open-air or exposed compost piles. Using a bin that encloses and contains the composting material is the preferred method of preventing skunks from raiding the compost. A raised bin, one that doesn't sit on the ground and has a lid or seal is best, as these will have small holes for ventilation, but the holes are too small to allow skunks or mice into the bin.
  
  

Protect Yourself from Skunks

• Urban and suburban skunks may establish nests in and around your property and they are not intimidated by the presence of humans. Should you encounter a skunk, do not attempt to capture it or shoo it away as it may spray you its offensive, smelly musk. Back away from the skunk, and once inside, call your local animal control agency.