Skunks are dormant for about a month during the coldest part of the winter. They are nocturnal in habit, slow moving, and defend themselves against other intruders. Skunks eat plants and domestic animal foods. They also eat grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, which is their preferred diet. They also eat rats, mice, and small cottontail rabbits.
Skunks become a nuisance when burrowing and feeding habits conflict with humans.
They burrow under porches and buildings, and dig small holes in lawns, golf courses, and gardens in search of insect grubs. Garbage left outdoors, bird feeders, and bee hives may cause skunks to begin feeding around your residence. If you encounter a skunk, do not disturb it, or go near it, they may spray you with an offensive odor, or they may attack you if infected by the rabies virus. Skunks are one of the primary carriers of the rabies virus. Removal is, normally, done with humane cage traps.