Do Skunks Eat Deer Corn? (Skunk Diet Guide)
Skunks are curious, opportunistic foragers—and if you’ve ever left out deer corn in your yard, you might have spotted one sniffing around. While deer corn is a favorite among hunters and wildlife watchers to attract deer, it’s not just deer who find it tempting. But do skunks eat deer corn? The short answer: Yes, but it’s complicated.
This article explores what draws skunks to deer corn, whether it’s safe for them, and how it fits into their natural diet. We’ll also share tips for homeowners who want to deter skunks or better understand their backyard visitors.
Do Skunks Eat Deer Corn?
Yes, skunks do eat deer corn—but it’s not their preferred meal. Skunks are omnivores and opportunistic feeders, which means they’ll eat almost anything easily available to them. That includes insects, small rodents, fruit, bird eggs, and yes—deer corn, especially when food is scarce.
Why Are Skunks Attracted to Deer Corn?
Several factors make deer corn appealing to skunks:
1. Sweet Scent
Deer corn is often flavored with molasses or other sweeteners to attract deer. Skunks, like raccoons, have a strong sense of smell and a preference for sweet, calorie-rich foods.
2. Easy Access
When deer corn is placed in open feeders or scattered on the ground, skunks can easily access it without much effort. As nocturnal foragers, they love low-risk food sources.
3. High Energy Content
Corn is packed with carbohydrates, providing a quick energy boost—especially helpful during colder months when other food is limited.
Can Skunks Digest Deer Corn Safely?
Here’s where it gets tricky.
Skunks can eat corn, but it’s not ideal for their digestion. Deer corn is high in starches and sugars, which skunks’ digestive systems aren’t well-adapted to handle in large amounts.
Potential issues:
- Bloating and gas
- Loose stools or diarrhea
- Weight gain/obesity (especially if fed frequently)
- Poor nutrition (if it displaces healthier food sources)
In short, corn is fine in small amounts but should not be a regular part of a skunk’s diet—wild or domestic.
What Do Skunks Eat in the Wild?
Understanding their natural diet helps clarify why corn isn’t a great fit.
🐛 Insects (primary source)
- Beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars, grubs
🐁 Small animals
- Mice, voles, bird eggs, frogs
🍓 Fruits & vegetables
- Berries, apples, grapes, carrots, peas, corn (in moderation)
🗑️ Human food waste
- Leftovers, pet food, garbage
Skunks adjust their diet based on season and availability, making them effective scavengers. That adaptability is why they might snack on deer corn left out for other animals.
Is It Safe to Leave Out Deer Corn?
If you’re placing deer corn to attract wildlife, be aware it can unintentionally attract skunks, raccoons, and other scavengers.
Risks of leaving out deer corn:
- Encouraging habituation (wild animals returning regularly)
- Skunks digging under feeders or structures
- Possible transmission of parasites/disease in areas where animals congregate
- Drawing in predators like coyotes, foxes, or feral cats
Feeding Skunks: A Good Idea?
Even if you’re a skunk lover or a pet skunk owner, it’s best not to feed skunks corn regularly.
- It can lead to nutritional imbalances
- It may encourage dependence on human food
- In urban/suburban areas, it can lead to conflicts with neighbors or pets
Baby Skunks and Their Diet
Young skunks (kits) nurse for the first few weeks of life. Once weaned, their mother introduces them to soft insects, fruits, and protein-rich foods—not processed corn or sweetened grain.
For pet skunk owners: Always consult a veterinarian before feeding anything new, especially starchy treats like corn.
How to Keep Skunks Away From Deer Corn
If you’re trying to attract deer—but not skunks—try these deterrent strategies:
- Elevate feeders higher off the ground
- Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers at night
- Clean up leftover corn daily
- Sprinkle natural deterrents like cayenne or citrus peels around the feeder
- Place wildlife feed in controlled portions, not piles
Frequently Asked Questions On Do Skunks Eat Deer Corn
What Animals Eat Deer Corn?
Coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, and deer all eat deer corn.
Why Is It Bad To Feed Deer Corn?
Feeding deer corn is harmful because it is not a natural part of their diet, leading to digestive problems and malnutrition. It also attracts them to roads, increasing the risk of vehicle collisions. Additionally, concentrated feeding can alter their behavior and harm the surrounding ecosystem.
Why Would Deer Stop Coming To Corn?
Deer may stop coming to corn if there is a lack of available food, changes in the environment, or if they feel threatened by predators. Additionally, they may have found alternative food sources or have relocated to a different area.
How Often Should You Put Out Deer Corn?
Deer corn should be put out no more than twice a week during the hunting season. Overfeeding deer on corn can lead to health issues and unfair advantages for hunters. It is recommended to spread the corn in small quantities over a larger area to encourage natural foraging behavior.
Conclusion
The answer to the question “Do skunks eat deer corn” ultimately depends on the area and situation. While skunks are known to eat a variety of food, including corn, they typically don’t consume a large amount of it. As a result, it’s unlikely that skunks would pose a major threat to a deer’s food supply.
However, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and protect your corn from unwanted guests. By taking steps to deter skunks and other wildlife, you can help ensure that your deer have plenty of food to enjoy.
