A strong musky odor after dark usually indicates active skunk movement nearby. In North Georgia neighborhoods, skunks commonly den beneath decks, crawl spaces, sheds, or concrete slabs and emerge at night to forage. Even if you don’t see the animal, repeated odor in the same area often signals a den site close to the structure.

Skunk breeding typically begins in late winter, with most young born between March and May. During this period, female skunks actively search for protected den sites under homes and structures. Activity often increases in early spring as mothers establish nests and begin raising kits.

While skunks occasionally relocate, established den sites are often reused—either by the same skunk or another one drawn to the sheltered space. Without professional exclusion work to seal the opening, the area remains vulnerable to repeat activity.

Yes. Skunks dig small, shallow holes in turf while feeding on grubs, beetle larvae, and insects. These holes may appear overnight and can quickly spread across sections of a yard if the food source remains.

Skunks should be addressed quickly once denning activity is confirmed. The longer they remain under a structure, the greater the chance of spraying, expanding burrows, and creating lingering odor issues that are more difficult to resolve.