What Does Skunk Poop Look Like?

A guide for anyone who's ever crouched in the backyard squinting at suspicious scat

Let’s be honest: no one wants to spend their weekend thinking about animal poop. But sometimes, nature doesn’t give us a choice.

You step outside to water the garden, and there it is — a little pile of something dark and... strangely specific. Not quite dog. Not quite raccoon. And unless your neighbor’s pet lizard grew six feet overnight, you’ve probably got a skunk situation.

So — what does skunk poop look like? More importantly, how do you deal with it safely and stop it from becoming a recurring backyard surprise?

Take a breath (through your mouth), and let’s break it down.

First Thing’s First: What Does Skunk Poop Actually Look Like?

Skunk droppings aren’t particularly flashy — but they do have some telltale features if you know what to look for:

• Length: Usually between 1 and 3 inches. About the size of a crayon — or a half-smoked cigar, if you prefer more vivid imagery.
  
• Width: Roughly ¼ to ½ inch thick.
  
• Color: Dark brown to black. Fresh poop is glossier, but it fades and dries with time.
  
• Shape: Cylindrical, sometimes with a bit of a twist. One or both ends might be tapered.
  
• Extras: Bits of berries, insect shells, and seeds are often visible. Skunks don’t chew much — they just chomp and move on.
  

And yes, it smells. Not like their spray — that’s a whole other level of offense — but definitely musty and strong enough to make you wrinkle your nose.

If you’re staring down a suspicious dropping and wondering if it’s skunk-related, try searching what does skunk poop look like online and comparing images. Wildlife sites and pest control companies usually have great side-by-side visuals.

How Skunk Poop Stacks Up Against Other Backyard Offenders

Here’s a little cheat sheet to help with identification — because yes, poop profiling is officially part of homeownership now.

• Rats: Tiny, shiny, and pointed at both ends — more like dark grains of rice.
  
• Raccoons: Bigger, chunkier, and often full of visible leftovers. Raccoons are also latrine users — they go in the same place repeatedly.
  
• Dogs: Depends on the diet and the dog, but generally more squishy, uneven, and — let’s be real — familiar to most.
  

Skunk poop falls right in the middle: long and firm, not too thick, with a blend of plant and protein leftovers.

The Not-So-Fun Part: Is Skunk Poop Dangerous?

Short answer: yes. Definitely not something to shrug off.

Even though skunks are shy and more likely to shuffle away than attack, their droppings can carry some nasty stuff:

• Leptospirosis – a bacterial infection spread via feces and urine. Think fever, muscle aches, and in bad cases, liver or kidney issues.
  
• Tularemia – another bacteria-borne illness that comes with fatigue, swollen glands, and sometimes ulcers.
  
• Roundworms – not exclusive to skunks, but their feces can be a source if left to fester.
  
• Rabies? While rabies is more commonly spread through bites or saliva, contaminated droppings in the wrong circumstances can still be risky.
  

In short, if you find skunk scat, don’t touch it, don’t step on it, and definitely don’t ignore it.

How to Clean It Up Without Getting Sick

No one’s glamorizing this task, but if you do it right, you won’t need a hazmat team. Here’s the process — step by sanitary step:

1. Gear Up
   Gloves (thick ones). A face mask. Long sleeves. Optional but wise: goggles.
   
2. Disinfect First
   Spray the droppings with a bleach-water mix (1:9 ratio) before touching them. That helps kill surface bacteria and parasites.
   
3. Scoop It Up
   Use a shovel, dustpan, or something disposable. Never sweep or vacuum — you don’t want airborne poop dust in your lungs.
   
4. Double Bag
   Seal the waste in two plastic bags, then toss in an outdoor trash bin with a tight lid.
   
5. Scrub the Scene
   Disinfect the spot again. Let the cleaner sit for at least 10 minutes, then rinse or wipe thoroughly.
   
6. Wash Yourself
   And your tools. And maybe your shoes. Better safe than sorry.
   

Why Skunks Show Up — and How to Make Them Regret It

Skunks don’t show up just to be rude. If they’re pooping in your yard, it means your property checks some boxes on their wishlist:

• Food: Pet bowls, birdseed, compost, fallen fruit — all fair game.
  
• Shelter: Hollow logs, brush piles, crawlspaces, and porches are prime skunk real estate.
  
• Peace and Quiet: They’re nocturnal introverts. Your quiet backyard? Heaven.
  

Want to keep them moving? Try this:

• Seal All Entry Points: Use mesh or metal flashing to block vents, crawlspaces, and gaps in sheds.
  
• Clean Up Food Sources: Bring in pet bowls, store trash securely, rake up fruit.
  
• Add Some Pressure: Motion-activated lights or sprinklers startle skunks without hurting them.
  
• Try Natural Repellents: Citrus peels, vinegar, and predator urine (yes, really) can send the right message.
  

If all else fails and your yard still smells like a skunk’s bathroom, it might be time for professional help.

When It’s Time to Call the Pros

There’s a point where DIY hits its limit. If you’re finding repeat droppings, suspect a den, or just don’t want to deal with the health risk, call in the experts.

Critter Stop offers humane skunk removal, cleanup, and prevention services. They’ve seen it all (and smelled worse), and they know how to handle wildlife the right way.Call (214) 234-2616 for a free inspection
Visit Critter Stop to learn more.

Professional Removal Services

This is how we catch skunks:

FAQs: What Curious Homeowners Want to Know

What does skunk poop look like again?

It’s long, thin, and dark — usually 1–3 inches — with a smooth shape and tapered ends. Seeds or bugs might be visible.

How is it different from raccoon poop?

Raccoon droppings are chunkier, segmented, and left in piles. Skunks scatter their droppings, and theirs are smaller and smellier in a musky way.

Can skunk poop make my dog sick?

Absolutely. Dogs that sniff, lick, or eat contaminated feces can pick up parasites or bacterial infections.

How do I clean it up safely?

Gloves, mask, disinfectant spray, and a careful scoop. No sweeping or vacuuming — just bag it, disinfect, and wash up.

I keep finding poop near my shed. Is it a skunk?

Could be. Skunks love quiet, dark corners. Look for burrow entrances or that classic musky odor.

What’s the easiest way to keep skunks out?

Seal entry points, eliminate food sources, and use motion-activated deterrents. And maybe ditch the compost bin if it’s open-air.

Should I try to trap a skunk myself?

We wouldn’t recommend it. Skunks are protected in some areas, and one wrong move could end with you smelling like a campfire accident. Let pros handle it.

Final Thought

Dealing with skunk poop isn’t glamorous. But learning how to spot it, clean it, and prevent it from showing up again? That’s just good property sense.

And if you’re ready to retire from wildlife management?

Let the professionals handle the stink.