Pick up all fallen fruit and old vegetables. Cayenne pepper sprinkled on the soil or bleach or ammonia-soaked rags left in trouble spots may discourage skunks from digging. Even a small fence will exclude skunks, as they do not climb. Make sure the wire extends at least one foot underground to keep them from digging under. Flood den areas with a slow-running hose.
Skunks hate wet dens.
If These Don't Work Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for information on how to trap and relocate skunks. They must also be released in appropriate habitat that isn't near human habitation. To Top of Page Living with Coyotes and Foxes Distinguishing Characteristics Coyotes are wild dogs that appear much larger than they really are. They typically weigh 25-40 pounds. They resemble a grizzled German Shepherd, with pointier ears and a narrow muzzle.