How to discourage four skunks from living in the basement, that was the problem to solve. I couldn't just completely block the opening since it was impossible to tell if any were already inside. The solution was to build a one-way gate.
I borrowed a spring-loaded access panel from the Quail Facility. They are used with the brooder cages when raising chicks, but in this case it made a one-way door, particularly when I removed most of the springs that held it closed.
I also built a new panel where there was just enough space for the A/C tubing and wiring to pass through and blocked it all up with concrete blocks and bricks to discourage digging.
After a couple of nights, it was clear that they were all out and couldn't get back in, I removed the door, slid the wooden door back down, screwed everything in place and added wire mesh to keep them from coming back.
Now there are only two who visit regularly and they just pass by.
We have kept the camera out every night and we see the two skunks and a couple of pack rats come by every night and a possum and a raccoon every once in a while.
Aside from the wildlife inside the volunteer compound, we tend to see the larger animals on the road out of the refuge and on to Arivaca. We have seen Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Fox, Coyote, Cattle (too many), a Pot-bellied Pig, a pair of Burros (walking down the middle of the road), jackrabbits, and the local dogs on the back road to the quail facility.
Life on the refuge has been pretty quiet otherwise, two days a week feeding and watering the quail, and two days out in the field searching for Pima Pineapple Cactus. The refuge Christmas Bird Count is happening next Saturday and we will be out looking for birds for that.
Merry Christmas to all!
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