The Striped & Spotted Skunks

Skunk Removal & Wildlife Management in Northern Colorado 

 

Professional Skunk Removal, Mitigation & Prevention for Homes, Businesses & Farms

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Skunks are a common sight throughout Northern Colorado and play an important role in controlling insects, rodents, and other small pests. However, when skunks begin denning beneath homes, decks, sheds, crawl spaces, or commercial buildings, they can quickly become a nuisance—and a significant health concern.

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At Critter Gitter of Northern Colorado (NoCoCG), we provide safe, humane skunk removal, den exclusion, wildlife mitigation, and long-term prevention for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and municipal properties throughout Northern Colorado.

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Our goal is not only to remove nuisance skunks but to eliminate the conditions attracting them, reducing the likelihood of future wildlife conflicts.

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Why Are Skunks Attracted to Your Property?

 

Skunks are opportunistic animals looking for three basic needs:

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• Shelter

• Food

• Water

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Common attractants include:

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• Crawl spaces

• Decks and porches

• Sheds and outbuildings

• Wood piles

• Brush piles

• Pet food left outdoors

• Garbage cans

• Compost piles

• Bird seed

• Rodent populations

• Irrigated landscaping

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Because skunks are excellent diggers, they often create dens beneath structures where they're protected from predators and weather.

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Common Skunk Species in Northern Colorado

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The Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is the species most commonly encountered throughout Northern Colorado.

They are recognizable by:

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• Black fur with distinctive white stripes

• Bushy tail

• Excellent digging ability

• Primarily nocturnal behavior

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Adult skunks typically weigh between 6–14 pounds and can live several years in the wild.

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Signs You May Have Skunks

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Many property owners first notice:

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• Strong skunk odor

• Small cone-shaped holes in lawns

• Burrows beneath decks or sheds

• Tracks with five visible toes

• Disturbed mulch or landscaping

• Pets repeatedly investigating one area

• Skunks seen at dusk or after dark

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If a skunk has established a den beneath your home or business, you may also notice repeated activity at the same entrance.

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Skunks Are a Rabies Vector Species

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One of the most important reasons to avoid handling skunks is that they are considered a rabies vector species in Colorado.

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While not every skunk carries rabies, skunks are among the primary wildlife species capable of transmitting the rabies virus to humans, pets, and livestock through bites or scratches.

Other rabies vector species include:

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• Bats

• Foxes

• Raccoons​

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If you observe a skunk exhibiting unusual behavior—such as aggression, disorientation, excessive daytime activity, stumbling, or paralysis—avoid contact and contact a wildlife professional immediately. This could indicate one of many varieties of zoonotic disease. 

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Never attempt to handle a sick or injured skunk yourself.

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More Than Just the Smell

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Many property owners first notice:

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 While skunks are famous for their defensive spray, they can create additional problems including but not limited to:

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• Property damage from digging

• Structural damage beneath foundations

• Odor contamination

• Pet injuries

• Disease concerns

• Fleas and ticks

• Denning beneath buildings

• Their spray can linger for weeks if released beneath or inside a structure.

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Our Skunk Removal Process

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1. Comprehensive Inspection

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We begin by identifying:

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• Active den locations

• Entry points

• Food sources

• Shelter opportunities

• Conditions attracting wildlife

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2. Humane Removal

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Our experienced wildlife specialists safely trap and remove nuisance skunks using humane methods that comply with Colorado wildlife regulations.

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3. Den Exclusion

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Once animals have been removed, we help secure:

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• Crawl spaces

• Decks

• Foundations

• Outbuildings

• Utility openings to prevent future occupancy.

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4. Wildlife Mitigation & Prevention

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Long-term success comes from eliminating attractants.

We may recommend:

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• Exclusion fencing

• Structural repairs

• Habitat modification

• Brush removal

• Rodent management

• Garbage containment improvements

• Food source reduction

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Commercial & Industrial Skunk Management

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Skunks can become a recurring issue around:

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• Manufacturing facilities

• Warehouses

• Industrial yards

• Oil & gas sites

• Municipal properties

• Schools

• Parks

• Agricultural operations

• Livestock facilities

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Our wildlife mitigation programs are designed to reduce wildlife conflicts while maintaining a safe environment for employees, customers, and visitors.

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Protecting Pets from Skunks

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Dogs are naturally curious and frequently encounter skunks during evening hours.

To reduce the risk:

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• Keep pets leashed after dark.

• Remove outdoor food sources.

• Seal access beneath decks and sheds.

• Keep grass and landscaping maintained.

• Supervise pets in areas with known wildlife activity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Will skunks spray every time they're frightened?

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No. Spraying is their last line of defense. Before spraying, skunks usually give several warning signs, including stamping their feet, raising their tail, and turning their back toward the perceived threat.

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Are skunks dangerous?

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Most skunks are not aggressive and prefer to avoid people. However, because they are a rabies vector species, they should never be approached or handled.

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Why is a skunk digging holes in my lawn?

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Skunks commonly dig small cone-shaped holes while searching for grubs, beetles, worms, and other insects beneath the soil.

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Can skunks climb?

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While they are not skilled climbers like squirrels or raccoons, skunks can climb low fences and rough surfaces when necessary.

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How do I keep skunks from returning?

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Removing a skunk is only part of the solution. Long-term prevention includes sealing den sites, removing food sources, modifying habitat, and addressing conditions that attract wildlife.

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Schedule Professional Skunk Removal

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If you've discovered a skunk beneath your home, around your business, or on your agricultural property, don't wait until the problem becomes worse.

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Critter Gitter of Northern Colorado provides professional skunk removal, wildlife mitigation, exclusion, and prevention services throughout Northern Colorado. Our experienced team delivers safe, humane, and effective solutions designed to protect your property while respecting Colorado's wildlife.

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Contact Critter Gitter today to schedule a professional skunk inspection or wildlife assessment.