Identifying Nocturnal Animal Sounds: East TN Mammals

As the sun sets in East Tennessee, the sounds of nocturnal animals begin to fill the night air. While many of us are fast asleep, these creatures are hard at work, digging and burrowing beneath our feet. If you're a homeowner or gardener in the area, you may have noticed strange holes appearing in your yard overnight. But who's responsible for this midnight excavation?

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are one of the most common culprits. These rodents dig complex tunnel systems in search of shelter and food, often causing damage to lawns and gardens. Another common offender is the skunk, whose distinctive 'rolling' of the sod allows it to access underground insect larvae.

Skunks get a bad reputation for their pungent odor, but they're actually just trying to mark their territory. And, despite their stinky reputation, they can only actively spray once every 10 days. If you do encounter a skunk's scent on your property, hydrogen peroxide is an effective solution to eliminate the smell.

But how can you prevent these nocturnal critters from digging up your yard? Excluding them preemptively is key. For groundhogs, this means adding a fence below decks using hardware cloth and burying it a foot underground. As for skunks, removing white grubs from the soil using county-recommended chemicals will discourage them from settling in.

If you do notice holes appearing in your yard, it's essential to identify the culprit quickly. Skunks, in particular, are known for their distinctive musky smell, which they use to mark territory. By recognizing the signs of skunk activity and taking steps to exclude them, you can prevent damage to your lawn and keep your property skunk-free.

In East Tennessee, it's essential to remember that burrowing animals play a crucial role in maintaining soil health and balancing our local ecosystem. Rather than viewing these creatures as pests, we should strive to coexist with them peacefully.

By understanding the nocturnal animal sounds of East Tennessee and taking steps to exclude them from your property, you can enjoy a peaceful night's sleep while also respecting the important role that these animals play in our environment.

Identifying nocturnal animal sounds east tn mammal