Actually, it's not as dangerous as it sounds. Striped skunks will accept your presence if you act normally. In fact, they'll ignore you so completely as to almost constitute an insult. On their nocturnal explorations, skunks use their sharp sense of smell and impressive front claws to sniff out and dig out insects under the top layers of leaf litter or grass or in decaying logs. Many a lawn has been cleaned of grubs by skunks and the only indication you'll have of a visitation will be shallow holes, all over your lawn.
Skunks also enjoy dog food and cat food.
If you're in the habit of leaving pet food out at night, and wonder why you find so many excremental messages left on patio, porch or deck, get wise and train your pets to eat up before you go to bed. Otherwise, be assured you will be a favorite fast-food stop for skunks, raccoons, opossums, and perhaps a gray fox. Call 824-4423 for further information. The St. Augustine Record and Morris Digital Works . Please read our Privacy Policy.