August 12, 2026

Skunks in the Neighborhood

We have some cute new families moving into East Washington Park—skunk families.

While skunks are part of Colorado’s urban wildlife and generally prefer to avoid people, they can create real problems when they settle near homes. Skunks can carry diseases, including rabies and leptospirosis, damage lawns while searching for grubs, establish dens beneath structures and—of course—spray people and pets when they feel threatened.

Recently, one East Washington Park block discovered just how important it is for neighbors to work together.

One Block’s Skunk Story

A family of six skunks was spotted during the early-evening and morning hours for several weeks throughout a three-block area. Then, within one week, five dogs—and several of their owners—were sprayed.

Neighbors began sharing sightings, evaluating their properties and looking for possible dens. By coordinating professional wildlife-control and exclusion services, they were able to address the immediate problem, reduce individual costs and create a more unified prevention effort.

This neighborhood approach matters because skunks do not recognize property lines. Solving the problem in one yard may simply encourage them to move next door unless nearby properties also remove food sources and potential shelter.

Why Skunks Choose Our Yards

Skunks are nocturnal, strong diggers and highly adaptable to city life. They often use existing animal burrows or create dens beneath porches, decks, steps, sheds and older buildings. Wood, brush and debris piles can also provide shelter.

A skunk’s typical home range may cover approximately half a square mile to 1.5 square miles, so the same animals may be visiting several nearby blocks.

Skunks eat insects, rodents, vegetation and discarded food. They are especially attracted to lawns containing white grubs, including Japanese beetle larvae. Their digging can leave small cone-shaped holes, torn turf and patches of overturned soil.

How to Make Your Property Less Inviting

Every homeowner can help discourage skunks by taking a few preventive steps:

  • Keep garbage containers securely closed and clean them regularly.
  • Bring pet food and water bowls indoors at night.
  • Clean up spilled birdseed, fallen fruit, leaves and branches.
  • Remove unused lumber, brush piles and materials stacked against fences or buildings.
  • Close openings beneath porches, decks, steps and sheds—but never seal an active den until you are certain every animal has left.
  • Install sturdy barriers or hardware cloth below ground around vulnerable structures. Skunks are excellent diggers, so gates and fencing should meet the ground without gaps.
  • Consider motion-activated lights or sprinklers in areas where skunks have been seen.
  • Have your lawn evaluated for grubs before treating it. Proper identification and timing make grub-control efforts more effective.
  • Keep dogs leashed and check the yard before letting pets outside after dark.

If you suspect a den is present, contact a qualified wildlife-control professional before trying to trap or remove the animals yourself. Colorado regulations do not allow trapped striped skunks to be transported and released elsewhere, and local ordinances may impose additional requirements.

Coordinate With Your Neighbors

If skunks are visiting your property, there is a good chance they are visiting nearby yards too. Share sightings, compare locations and consider arranging a coordinated professional evaluation.

Working together can help identify multiple den sites, reduce the cost of professional services and prevent skunks from simply moving from one property to another. A neighborhood-wide effort is one of the best ways to discourage these little stinkers from settling in.

If Your Dog Gets Sprayed

The ASPCA recommends mixing:

  • 1 quart of fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide
  • ¼ cup of baking soda
  • 1–2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap

Mix the ingredients fresh in an open container. Wearing gloves, carefully work the mixture into your dog’s fur while avoiding the eyes and mouth. Leave it on for approximately five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with plenty of water. Repeat only if necessary.

Never store this mixture or place it in a closed container because pressure can build up. The solution may also lighten fur, clothing or other materials.

If spray gets into your pet’s eyes, rinse them with lukewarm water for 20 minutes. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet may have been bitten or develops vomiting, weakness, unusual lethargy, breathing problems or changes in gum or urine color.

If a person is bitten or scratched by a skunk, seek medical attention promptly and report the wildlife bite to the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment at 720-865-5767.

Helpful Resources

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