What Animals Eat Skunks?
Yes, skunks do have predators—especially those that hunt at night or rely on stealth rather than smell. Their spray makes them hard to kill, but not impossible. From great horned owls to coyotes and scavengers like vultures, skunks play a dual role in nature: both predator and prey.
I’m Robert Jones, a longtime skunk owner and blogger. I’ve cared for four pet skunks and spent years studying their behavior. In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned about the wild animals that eat skunks, how they manage to do it, and how this fits into a broader ecosystem.
Do Any Animals Eat Skunks?
Yes—certain predators and scavengers eat skunks, especially when they’re young, injured, or caught off guard at night.
These animals include:
- Great horned owls (top predator, immune to skunk spray)
- Coyotes, foxes, and bobcats
- Cougars and domestic dogs
- Vultures, eagles, and bears (as scavengers)
✅ These are the animals most likely to eat skunks—even striped skunks—despite their powerful defense.
Why Skunks Get Eaten (Despite Their Spray)
Skunks rely on warning colors, a distinctive posture, and their infamous spray to scare off predators. But:
- Some animals can’t smell well (like owls)
- Others attack from behind or strike before the skunk can spray
- Sick, young, or surprised skunks are vulnerable to fast predators
Skunks are not completely safe—even from other animals that live nearby.
What Animals Eat Skunks at Night?
Most skunk predators are nocturnal—which is also when skunks are active.
Common nighttime predators include:
- Great horned owls – Hunt from above and can’t smell the spray
- Coyotes – Fast enough to chase or ambush skunks
- Bobcats and foxes – Stealthy hunters that stalk prey in silence
- Stray or wild dogs – May chase and bite without realizing the risk
These predators rely on stealth, surprise, or reduced scent sensitivity to overcome skunks’ defenses.
What Animals Commonly Eat Striped Skunks?
The striped skunk is the most widespread species in North America—and it faces the same predators as other skunk types.
Predators that eat striped skunks:
- Owls
- Foxes
- Coyotes
- Domestic dogs
- Occasionally bobcats or cougars
Even these bold animals usually avoid skunks unless they’re hungry or see an opportunity (like a baby skunk alone).
What Animals Eat Skunk Cabbage?
Although it sounds related, skunk cabbage is a plant, not an animal. It gets its name from the strong, skunk-like smell it releases when crushed.
Still, some animals do eat skunk cabbage, especially in early spring.
Animals that eat skunk cabbage:
- Black bears – One of the few mammals to eat it regularly
- White-tailed deer – May nibble when food is scarce
- Snapping turtles – In watery areas
- Beetles and insects – Feed on leaves and flower structures
☘️ Skunk cabbage is toxic to many animals, but some are adapted to tolerate it.
Do Any Animals Prey on Skunks Regularly?
Yes. While not many predators specialize in hunting skunks, certain animals prey on them often, especially:
- Great horned owls – The top natural predator of skunks
- Foxes and coyotes – Opportunistic hunters
- Bobcats – Use stealth and surprise
- Eagles and vultures – Mostly eat dead skunks, but may prey on young or sick ones
Skunks can defend themselves well, but they’re still part of the food chain.
What Animals Eat Dead Skunks?
Sometimes skunks are killed by cars or die of natural causes. Many scavengers feed on dead skunks, especially near roads or forests.
Common scavengers:
- Vultures and crows
- Bald eagles
- Bears in woodland habitats
- Coyotes and foxes
- Dogs (rarely, out of curiosity)
These animals help clean up carrion and contribute to the ecosystem’s balance.
Summary Table
| Animal | Type | Hunting/Feeding Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | Predator | Night | Top predator; cannot smell spray |
| Coyote | Predator | Night & Dawn | Fast, opportunistic; will eat skunks if needed |
| Fox | Predator | Night | Targets weak or young skunks |
| Bobcat | Predator | Night | Uses stealth and ambush tactics |
| Cougar | Predator | Night (rare) | Rarely preys on skunks unless food is limited |
| Dog | Predator | Day/Night (accidental) | May attack out of curiosity; usually sprayed |
| Vulture, Crow | Scavenger | Day | Feed on dead skunks (carrion) |
| Bear, Eagle | Scavenger | Day | Rare predators or scavengers, especially in remote areas |
Final Thoughts
Even with their spray, skunks aren’t immune to being eaten. Their best defense is warning predators to stay away—but some animals are immune to that warning. Whether you’re observing wildlife, protecting chickens, or just curious, knowing what animals will eat skunks adds to your understanding of nature’s balance.
From nocturnal owls to scavenging vultures, every animal has a role to play—including the skunk.
