It’s the Attack of the ‘Fart Squirrels’ Across Iowa

Well, it certainly seems that way lately... In fact, I have not had a single day in October where I have not been inundated with the thick, repugnant aroma of skunk-butt. The issue has become so prevalent in my town of Cascade, that the city even had to drop a statement on its Facebook page asking residents not to put out food for the stray cats (or possibly be fined), as it was enticing even more of the wild critters into town.

But why so many skunks now? Let me fill you in.

Skunks tend to become more noticeable and problematic in Iowa during October for several reasons, all of which are tied to their seasonal behaviors and environmental factors, including the biggest and hardest variable to control: humans.

As fall progresses, many of the skunks' natural food sources (like insects/grubs) become scarce. This pushes skunks to search for alternative food, which may include garbage or pet food left outdoors, further increasing their presence in human environments. Right where we don't want them. These factors make October a particularly noticeable time for skunk activity in Iowa, resulting in more encounters, pets being sprayed, and other odor-related issues.

This month is a time when skunks are foraging heavily to build up fat reserves before winter. While skunks do not hibernate, they enter a state of "torpor" during the cold months, where their activity decreases significantly. As a result, they're highly active in autumn, searching for food wherever they can find it.

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Usually that food source is insects, small mammals, and plant matter; but in an urban environment it's your unsecured trash, left out pet food, and neglected recycling bins. This increased activity makes them more visible and prone to crossing paths with humans and pets alike.

Since skunks typically mate in late winter (around February or March), by autumn, juveniles born earlier in the year are now independent and actively searching for food and shelter. These young skunks are much less cautious and more likely to wander into urban areas and roads, again, leading to increased encounters.

Additionally, as temperatures continue to drop, skunks start looking for secure shelters to spend the winter. They often seek out denning spots such as under decks, porches, sheds, or other man-made structures. This can bring them into closer contact with people, pets, and homes, creating more nuisance problems like burrowing and being sprayed.

That also means the likelihood of them crossing roads increases, leading to a rise in roadkill incidents. Skunk carcasses, especially when hit by cars, release a strong and lingering odor that can permeate large areas, contributing to that" lovely" bad skunk smell that hasn't left my nostrils for even a day this month.

Want to keep skunks from turning your yard into their personal stank spot this fall? Start by locking down the buffet—seal up your trash cans and stop serving at the neighborhood skunk café (no more pet food outside). Block off cozy hideouts under your deck or shed because skunks love a good basement apartment. Throw in some motion-activated lights, and if you see any suspicious burrows, fill them up as quick as possible The. Skunks will eventually take a hint, but until than enjoy that di-stink-t aroma.