If you live next to a forest, you might be familiar with visits from wild animals in your garden. And while that might sound nice, as soon as it results in your crops and plants’ destruction, you might want to ensure you know how to deal with them. You may be wondering, ‘can skunks climb trees?’
Quick Answer
Generally, skunks aren’t skilled climbers. While they might be able to climb up wires, fences, or boards, they will rarely climb trees.
Preventing small mammals from seeing your garden as their banquet might take some time and some trial and error.
If skunks are your problem, knowing if they can climb trees might help you take suitable preventive measures. To learn what to do to avoid them from hitting your yard, keep reading this essential guide.
What are Skunks?
Skunks are common around the United States. These mammals are the size of a cat and are commonly known for the unpleasant smell they release when provoked. While they will prefer hiding from humans’ sight, hungry skunks with no other options won’t think twice about finding food in your garden.
These nocturnal animals are omnivorous and have long claws for digging and sharp teeth. Such tools are ideal for searching the ground for insects such as grasshoppers, larvae, caterpillars, and crickets.
They will also use them for finding fruits, tender buds from plants and grasses, and vegetables underground.
So, you can expect the damage to your garden to be substantial if such animals choose it as their “refectory!”. But what more should you know about these animals? Jump to the following sections to find out!
Can skunks climb trees?
Generally, skunks aren’t skilled climbers. While they might be able to climb up wires, fences, or boards, they will rarely climb trees. And because of their weight and characteristics, skunks will usually take the available alternative to climb.
It is worth mentioning that lighter species of skunks, such as the spotted skunk, are more agile and able to climb anything, despite their long nails. But if scared or desperate, these animals will use their (moderate) climbing abilities.
What does that tell you? To begin with, it is proof that fencing isn’t a good enough protection for your garden if you are dealing with skunks. Indeed, skunks will climb to get to a food location or hide from predators or other threats.
So, a hungry skunk will not hesitate to climb an obstacle if necessary. Also, don’t forget that these animals are capable diggers: installing a fence around your property must involve making it deep enough to prevent skunks from burrowing beneath it.
Also, if you have trees in your garden, you should consider trimming the branches that hang near your fence or roof: skunks might use it as an opportunity to get to all the food you might be storing indoors!
How to Prevent Skunks From Visiting Your Yard?
Besides installing a good enough fence in your yard, you should consider taking other measures to prevent skunks from visiting your garden. For instance, light repellents are some of the best tools for keeping these mammals away.
Because they are nocturnal animals, their eyes are sensitive to bright lights. Also, motion sensors flood might help scare skunks away from your property.
Another way to keep skunks away from your garden is to apply predator urine around your yard. You can buy such products at your favorite gardening store (or online).
And if you have a dog, you can let him do his business outdoors. Either way, the smell will keep skunks off your property!
Related Article: How to Stop Skunks?