Do Skunks Eat Bird Seed? Yes, and Here's What You Need to Know

Yes, skunks do eat bird seed—especially when it's spilled on the ground beneath feeders. While not their primary food source, fallen seeds from platforms or tube feeders can attract skunks looking for an easy meal, particularly during cooler months when natural food is scarce. This behavior, often overlooked by backyard bird enthusiasts, ties into broader concerns about feeder hygiene, nocturnal wildlife interactions, and unintentional habituation of wild animals. Understanding do skunks eat bird seed helps homeowners make informed decisions about placement, timing, and maintenance of bird feeding stations.

The Diet of Skunks: Omnivores with Opportunistic Habits

Skunks (genus Mephitis and related) are omnivorous mammals native to North and Central America. Their diet varies significantly by season, habitat, and food availability. In spring and summer, they primarily consume insects, grubs, small rodents, amphibians, and eggs. However, in fall and winter, when insect populations decline, skunks adapt by eating more plant-based foods—including fruits, nuts, and yes, bird seed.

Bird seed becomes especially appealing when it accumulates on the ground. Black oil sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn are among the most attractive types to both birds and opportunistic mammals like skunks. Because many common bird feeders are not fully enclosed or have trays that collect excess seed, they inadvertently create a buffet for nocturnal visitors.

Why Skunks Are Drawn to Bird Feeders

Skunks are primarily nocturnal, which means they become active at dusk and throughout the night. This behavior aligns with times when other animals have left the feeder area, making it safer for them to forage. The scent of spilled seed, combined with the quiet environment, makes bird feeding areas prime targets.

Additionally, backyard habitats often provide multiple attractants: shelter under decks or sheds, water sources like birdbaths, and supplemental food from compost piles or pet food left outdoors. When bird seed is added to this mix, it completes what ecologists call a “resource subsidy”—a human-provided boost to wildlife survival that can alter natural behaviors.

One common misconception is that skunks only eat meat or garbage. While they will scavenge in trash bins, their digestive systems handle carbohydrates well, allowing them to derive energy from seeds. Research published in the Journal of Mammalogy confirms that up to 30% of a skunk’s winter diet may consist of plant matter, including grains and seeds found near human habitation.

Impact on Birds and Backyard Ecosystems

While skunks themselves rarely attack adult birds, their presence near feeders poses indirect risks. First, their digging and rooting behavior disturbs soil and spreads seeds unevenly, potentially encouraging weed growth. Second, they may scare off smaller birds that avoid feeding when larger animals are nearby.

More concerning is the potential for disease transmission. Skunks can carry rabies, leptospirosis, and parasites like fleas and ticks. Although direct contact between skunks and birds is rare, contaminated surfaces—such as shared feeding trays or the ground beneath feeders—can serve as transmission points.

Furthermore, attracting skunks may also draw predators such as owls, coyotes, or domestic dogs, increasing stress levels for resident bird populations. Over time, this disruption can affect nesting success and local biodiversity.

How to Prevent Skunks from Eating Bird Seed

Preventing skunk access doesn’t mean eliminating bird feeding—it means managing it responsibly. Below are proven strategies to reduce or eliminate skunk visits while still supporting avian life:

• Elevate feeders: Hang bird feeders at least 5–6 feet above the ground and use squirrel baffles or slick poles to deter climbing.
• Use tray guards: Install mesh trays beneath feeders to catch falling seed before it reaches the ground.
• Clean regularly: Sweep or rake up spilled seed daily. Consider placing a large tray or tarp underneath to simplify cleanup.
• Feed during daylight only: Use timers or bring feeders in at night to limit nocturnal access.
• Avoid corn and mixed seed blends: These are highly attractive to mammals. Opt for safflower seeds, which most mammals dislike but cardinals and finches enjoy.
• Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers: Sudden movement or water spray can startle skunks and discourage repeat visits.

Some homeowners report success using repellents containing predator urine (e.g., fox or coyote), though effectiveness varies and requires frequent reapplication, especially after rain.

Regional Differences in Skunk Behavior Around Feeders

Skunk activity around bird feeders varies across regions due to climate, species distribution, and urbanization levels. For example:

• In the northern U.S. and southern Canada, striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) may enter periods of torpor during harsh winters but remain active on warmer nights, making winter feeding seasons critical times for management.
• In the southeastern U.S., where mild winters persist, skunks are active year-round, increasing the likelihood of consistent feeder visits.
• In western states, spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius) are more agile climbers and may access poorly protected feeders even if elevated.

Urban and suburban areas see higher skunk-human interaction due to fragmented green spaces and abundant shelter options. Rural areas tend to have lower densities but greater reliance on natural food sources—unless bird feeders introduce a new, reliable option.

Region	Skunk Species	Feeder Risk Level	Recommended Prevention Strategy
Northeastern U.S.	Striped Skunk	High (winter)	Nighttime feeder removal + ground cleanup
Southeastern U.S.	Striped & Spotted Skunks	Very High (year-round)	Motion-activated deterrents + safflower seed
Midwest	Striped Skunk	Moderate-High	Baffles + elevated feeders
Western U.S.	Spotted Skunk	Moderate (climbing risk)	Smooth pole guards + no ground seed
Canada (southern)	Striped Skunk	Seasonal (late fall/winter)	Limited feeding hours + tray covers

Common Misconceptions About Skunks and Bird Seed

Several myths persist about skunks and their relationship with backyard feeding:

Myth 1: Skunks won’t come near homes unless rabid.
Reality: Healthy skunks frequently inhabit residential areas seeking food, water, and shelter. Rabies is relatively rare, and bold behavior is more likely due to habituation than illness.

Myth 2: If I don’t see them, they’re not visiting.
Reality: Skunks are nocturnal and quiet. Evidence includes tracks (five-toed prints), digging patches, or strong odor near feeders—often noticed in the morning.

Myth 3: All bird seed is equally risky.
Reality: Cracked corn and milo attract mammals most; safflower and nyjer (thistle) seed are far less appealing to skunks and better suited for targeted bird feeding.

When to Consider Pausing Bird Feeding

In areas with persistent skunk activity—or where rabies is a known concern—temporarily halting bird feeding may be the safest choice. This is especially true during late fall and winter when disease transmission risks increase due to closer animal proximity.

Natural food sources like native berry-producing shrubs (e.g., serviceberry, elderberry) and seed-bearing flowers (e.g., coneflower, sunflower) offer sustainable alternatives that don’t concentrate wildlife in small areas. Landscaping with native plants supports birds without inviting unwanted mammals.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

In many jurisdictions, relocating or harming skunks without a permit is illegal. Most state wildlife agencies classify skunks as protected furbearers or game species with regulated trapping seasons. Even nuisance removal must follow humane protocols.

Ethically, promoting coexistence is preferable to eradication. Simple changes in feeder management often resolve conflicts without harming animals. If a skunk den is discovered under a structure, exclusion (sealing entry points after the animal leaves) is recommended over trapping.

What to Do If You Encounter a Skunk Near Your Feeder

If you spot a skunk near your bird feeder, stay calm and avoid sudden movements. Skunks spray as a last resort when startled or threatened. Slowly retreat and allow the animal space to leave.

To discourage future visits:

• Remove all accessible food sources immediately.
• Check for den sites under decks, porches, or sheds.
• Contact a licensed wildlife control professional if the skunk appears sick (staggering, daytime wandering, aggression) or refuses to leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bird seed make skunks aggressive?

No, bird seed itself does not cause aggression. However, regular feeding can lead to habituation, where skunks lose their natural fear of humans and approach too closely, increasing conflict risk.

Are there bird seeds skunks won’t eat?

Yes. Safflower seed has a bitter taste most mammals dislike, yet cardinals, chickadees, and grosbeaks readily eat it. Nyjer (thistle) seed is another option that skunks generally ignore.

Do skunks climb bird feeders?

Striped skunks are poor climbers, but spotted skunks can scale wooden posts or trees. Using metal poles with baffles prevents most access.

Is it dangerous to have skunks eating under my feeder?

Potential risks include disease exposure, odor issues, and attracting other wildlife. While danger is low with casual visits, prolonged presence warrants intervention.

Should I stop feeding birds if skunks visit?

Not necessarily. Instead, modify your setup—use cleaner feeders, clean the ground daily, and consider switching seed types. Responsible feeding allows both birds and mammals to thrive without conflict.