With humans encroaching on their homes, Springfield skunks have become a nuisance. They will come into your yard and dig through your garbage cans. They will steal pet food, and they will dig under your home. The worst problem with skunks is they are able to spray a foul-smelling liquid when scared. This has made them a big problem all over The United States and parts of Canada.



Where do they live?
Illinois kunks build their dens in the abandoned nests of other animals. They can easily live in urban as well as rural areas. They just need to be close to a water source. They will stay within a two-mile radius of their den. They need ample supplies of food and will live in close proximity to a place where they can find it.

Rural areas
Skunks can live in hollowed out tree trunks, woodpiles or bushes. They are quite happy if they can live in grasslands, woods or brush. They are less of a problem in rural areas as they are able to find food more easily. They eat berries, seeds and bugs. These are easily obtained in a wooded area where water is available. They are beneficial to farmers as they eat a lot of the common agricultural pests.

Urban areas
As our rural areas make way for urban developments, animals have adapted. Springfield skunks are quite happy living under porches, in garages, and under houses. They are able to scavenge for food that has been discarded by humans. As they are not excessively scared of humans, they can easily live in close proximity to them.

Burrow
An Illinois skunk’s burrow often contains a few living chambers with up to five entrances. They will use grass or hay to line it in order to insulate it. Their dens are often permanent, and they will live in it year-round, if possible. They can also alternate between a few dens. The females sometimes share communal dens.

Hibernate
Springfield skunks do not hibernate in winter. They will plug the entrances to their dens in order to keep the cold out. They are able to lower their body temperature and will stay inside for long periods.

Illinois skunks do not seem to have a preference regarding urban or rural areas. As long as they are able to find food and water they can easily live anywhere.

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