Skunks
Skunks
Skunks live in dens. They either create one themselves by digging, or they take over an existing den that they find. Porches provide an attractive denning area to skunks and other species of wildlife because they are safe, stable structures for them. Skunks will also choose a denning location based on food and water availability. For these reasons, a skunk may choose to use your porch or deck as a shelter!
Skunks cannot be relocated—anywhere! For a skunk living under a structure, it is best to evict it outside of the breeding season (before March or after August). Then, install fencing that extends one to two feet below ground to seal openings.
To evict a skunk, you can use hot pepper repellent sprayed carefully around the den entrance and a few inches into the den. Do not spray deeply into the den. Alternately, you can place ammonia-soaked rags inside the den. Tie the rags to a string so they can be pulled out in a few days. To make certain the animal has gone, sprinkle flour at the entrance, then check for tracks after dark.
More information on skunks in Broomfield can be found on this Skunk Reference Card.