Skunks are notorious for their unique appearance and their spray. While these critters can be a nuisance, they play a specific role in the ecosystems around you. Here are some facts you may not have known about skunks:
Skunks May Be Keeping Mice Out of Your Home
While these critters prefer insects and grubs, skunk’s diets are flexible and also include small rodents like mice. During colder months, skunks scavenge for food and often stumble upon these small rodents that they find in wooded areas or near garbage left outside of homes.
Skunks Help Control Your Local Rattlesnake Population
Immune to snake venom, rattlesnakes are another source of food for skunks. Skunks are one of the only animals who have this immunity and are unaffected by doses of venom 100 times higher than those that could kill a household pet. During warmer months, seeing a skunk in your yard or near your home means rattlesnakes will stay away.