Foxes and Skunks in Early Fall: What South Jersey Homeowners Should Know

acornwildlifellc
Oct 12
2 min read

As the weather starts to cool in early fall, many homeowners in Marlton and across South Jersey begin noticing more wildlife activity — especially foxes and skunks. It’s completely normal this time of year, but understanding why they’re more active can help you prevent them from becoming unwanted guests around your home.

Why You’re Seeing More Foxes and Skunks in Fall

Both foxes and skunks become more visible in September and October as they prepare for the colder months ahead.

Foxes are hunting more frequently to build up fat reserves and secure safe shelter for winter. Juveniles born in the spring are dispersing from their parents’ territory and looking for their own.
Skunks are in heavy feeding mode, searching for insects, grubs, and small rodents before winter dens in late fall. They don’t fully hibernate, but they do slow down and stay sheltered in cold weather.

It’s common to see them out during daylight hours this time of year — especially young foxes still learning to hunt. That doesn’t mean they’re sick or aggressive; it’s just seasonal behavior.

Where They Tend to Den or Shelter

When temperatures drop, both foxes and skunks look for quiet, protected spaces. Around homes, common den sites include:

Under decks, sheds, or porches
In crawl spaces or basement window wells
Along wood lines, brush piles, or old groundhog burrows

These areas provide warmth, safety, and easy access to food sources like trash, pet food, or compost.

Warning Signs They May Be Around

You might have a fox or skunk nearby if you notice:

Small holes or disturbed soil near your foundation or deck
Faint skunk odor around sheds or crawl spaces
Tracks or droppings in soft soil
Tipped trash cans or food scattered overnight

If a skunk or fox begins hanging around consistently or appears to have made a den on your property, it’s best to act early. Waiting until winter can make humane removal and exclusion more difficult.

Humane Solutions and Prevention

At Acorn Wildlife, we specialize in humane removal and relocation of foxes, skunks, and other nuisance wildlife — with a focus on long-term prevention. Our approach includes:

Identifying and safely removing the animal if it’s taken up residence.
Sealing off entry points to prevent re-entry.
Cleaning and sanitizing the area to remove scent markers that attract others.

A proactive inspection and exclusion in fall can prevent problems through the entire winter season.

Final Thoughts

Seeing foxes or skunks in early fall isn’t necessarily a problem — it’s a sign of a healthy ecosystem. But when they start getting too comfortable around your home, a humane and professional solution is best for everyone.

If you’ve noticed frequent sightings or signs of wildlife activity around your property in Marlton or the surrounding South Jersey area, Acorn Wildlife can help. We’ll make sure the animals are safely relocated and your home is protected for the season ahead.

📞 Contact Acorn Wildlife today for a fall inspection or humane removal servic