What to Do If You See a Skunk on Your Property (And What to Absolutely Avoid)

Avoid getting sprayed with these tips from a wildlife expert and pest professional.

A skunk standing on grass near a wooden fence — Credit:
beebatch / Getty Images

Like most common garden pests, skunks are often misunderstood creatures. They are not naturally aggressive, but they do have a very stinky defense mechanism. The good news is that they never spray for no reason, and once you know the warning signs, you can avoid the consequences of having a skunk on your property. Ahead, a wildlife expert and a pest control professional share what to do if you see a skunk in your yard and why keeping your distance is the best approach.

Deby Cassill, professor, integrative biologist, and animal behavior expert with the University of South Florida in Tampa
Keith Hinds, pest control expert and vice president of operations at Modern Pest Services

What to Do If You Encounter a Skunk

Follow these steps, and you’ll never have to worry about getting sprayed by a skunk.

Don’t Approach

Skunks are remarkably conflict-averse. "If a skunk appears on your property, the correct response is not drama, it's distance," says Deby Cassill, animal behavior expert with the University of South Florida in Tampa. If you ever encounter a skunk in your yard or on your property, stop, stay calm, and give it an escape path. "Don’t approach it, corner it, or attempt to 'shoo' it away."

Watch for Warning Signs

If you accidentally stumble into close quarters with a skunk, watch for signs that the skunk is getting ready to spray. "Like an irritated two-year-old, skunks will typically give you a fair warning before spraying by stamping their front feet," says Cassill. Then, they will raise their tail and turn their hindquarters toward the perceived threat before spraying.

Back Away Slowly

Retreat little by little. "It’s best not to make any sudden movements that might startle them," says Keith Hinds, pest control expert and vice president of Operations at Modern Pest Services. You never want the skunk to feel threatened, which will cause them to go on the defensive and possibly spray you.

How to Keep Skunks Out of Your Yard

Understanding why a skunk might visit is the best way to deter them from coming back.

Remove Food Sources

Easy access to food is the most common reason why any animal will want to visit your property. "If your garbage is overflowing, or they have access to things like pet food, or your garden is full of grubs, then they’ll stay," says Hinds. Hence, you’ll want to ensure your garbage cans have a secured lid and are emptied frequently, pet food is sealed and put away, and you keep grubs out of the garden.

Seal Access Points

Skunks may also enter your yard in search of a safe place to hide, such as in a shed or under a deck. "Usually, they are looking for any entry point that is large enough for them to get into and makes them harder to find from a predator," says Hinds, adding that skunks can fit into a space as small as 4 inches in diameter. He recommends using hard-wire cloth, mesh wire, or concrete or mortar to seal any entry points.

Keep Your Yard Clean

Keep your yard neat, as tall grasses and piles of branches can attract skunks, who are always looking for dense cover where they can make a den, says Cassill. Trim ornamental tall grass and move branches into wooded areas away from your yard.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To prevent yourself from getting sprayed, our experts recommend avoiding the following mistakes when spotting a skunk on your property.

Don’t chase or attempt to trap a skunk: This will only escalate the situation and end poorly for everyone, says Cassill. If threatened, skunks will react and spray. "Just give the skunk space, stay calm, and wait for it to leave on its own," Hinds adds.
Don't let dogs close: Dogs won’t know a skunk’s warning signs and may get sprayed when attempting to play or investigate the skunk. "If your pet gets 'skunked,' resist the tomato-juice folklore," Cassill says. "Skunk spray is a sulfur-based defense, so the real solution is to neutralize it and not try to add perfume." Instead, wash the pet thoroughly with soap and water.
Don't run: Running will only encourage the skunk to chase and spray. "Despite what cartoons may suggest, there is no graceful way to outrun or outmaneuver a skunk once it has decided you are too close," says Cassill. The better strategy is walking away slowly.