Skunks & Koi Ponds

Koi ponds are more than just delightful landscaping accents. They are also attractive spots for wildlife to congregate, drink and grab a fish meal. Skunks will visit your koi pond for all these reasons, but you can deter these noxious beasts from hanging around and eating your expensive pet fish.

  1. Reasons

    • Skunks come to backyard koi ponds primarily for water, but they will go after your fish as well. Ponds, especially with shallow margins and rocky edges are attractive to skunks who prefer not to go into the water like raccoons will.

    Effects

    • The most obvious effect of a skunk near your koi pond is the unpleasant smell. Even if the skunk does not spray, it still has a distinctive odor. Skunks can also fish rather well and will catch and eat your koi.

    Geography

    • Skunks are found throughout the United States and into Canada, so there is no place where your koi pond is safe from these predators. In coldest climates, skunks hibernate over the late autumn and winter months, letting your more sluggish koi have a rest from their attacks.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Prevent skunks from visiting your koi pond with physical barriers such as nets suspended at the surface of the water or various structures underwater for the koi to hide in. These could be overturned plant pots or fabricated tunnels or caves.

    Warning

    • Never approach a skunk or try to scare him away with sudden sounds or motion-sensor lights. While most skunks will not spray their scent unless cornered, startling them is still not a good idea. You do not want to risk making your koi pond area uninhabitable for weeks.