The Tucson metropolitan area, like the rest of the Sonoran Desert region, is home to skunks that thrive in urban and suburban environments. These creatures are a common part of the local ecosystem, helping control insect and rodent populations. Understanding the species found in Pima County and their habits is key to successful coexistence. This article covers identifying local skunks, recognizing their behavior, and implementing non-lethal strategies to deter them.
Skunk Species Found in Tucson
The most widespread skunk in the area is the Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis), which is the largest and most recognizable species found across North America. This skunk is typically the size of a house cat, weighing between six and fourteen pounds. It is identified by its prominent V-shaped white stripe that begins on its head and splits into two stripes running down its back. This species is the one most commonly encountered in Tucson’s neighborhoods.
Two other species also inhabit the region: the Hooded Skunk (Mephitis macroura) and the Western Spotted Skunk (Spilogale gracilis). The Hooded Skunk, which barely enters the United States from Mexico, is more slender than the striped skunk and has a noticeably longer, bushier tail. Its coat pattern is highly variable, sometimes featuring two thin white side-stripes or a mostly white back resembling a hood. The Western Spotted Skunk is the smallest skunk in Arizona, about the size of a squirrel, and is unique for its broken white stripes and spots on a black coat. This species is the only one known to climb trees, and when threatened, it performs a distinctive handstand before spraying.
Typical Habitats and Activity Patterns
Skunks are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night and the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. They use their strong front claws to forage by sniffing and digging in the ground. Evidence of their presence often includes small, cone-shaped holes two to four inches wide in lawns and gardens. These divots are created as they search for insect grubs, beetles, and other invertebrates that make up a large part of their spring and summer diet.
In the Tucson metropolitan area, skunks are opportunistic and seek sheltered, dark locations for denning. They frequently establish dens under porches, sheds, woodpiles, and other man-made structures that offer safety and seclusion. Skunks are omnivores, and their diet adapts to what is available in urban settings, including insects, small rodents, and fallen fruit. Unsecured trash, spilled birdseed, and pet food left outdoors are major attractants that encourage skunks to establish residence near homes.
Strategies for Deterring Skunks
Deterring skunks involves eliminating the attractants that draw them to a property, primarily food and shelter. Securing outdoor food sources is essential. This means tightly sealing garbage cans with locking lids and bringing pet food inside before nightfall. Homeowners should also promptly remove fallen fruit from the yard and consider using grub-control treatments to reduce the skunks’ natural food supply within the lawn.
Sealing potential den entry points will discourage skunks from setting up residence under buildings. This is accomplished by installing heavy-gauge wire mesh or fencing around decks and sheds. The barrier must extend at least eight to twelve inches deep into the ground to prevent them from digging underneath. Using sensory deterrents can also make a yard less appealing to these nighttime foragers. Motion-activated sprinklers or bright, motion-sensor lights can startle skunks and encourage them to move to a quieter location.