As urban sprawl expands further and further into the remaining forests and prairie some wildlife has started to move into town. This includes foxes, raccoons, and skunks. These three are grouped together here because the coexistence methods overlap significantly. 

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Concern #1 - Backyard Chickens

Resolution - Keeping chickens in urban areas is generally safer and easier than keeping them in more rural areas because there are less large carnivores. Skunks, raccoons, and foxes often share urban areas though and commonly break into chicken coops. It's important to ensure that there are absolutely no gaps in the fencing for the chicken coop. Even a gap at the top of the doorway is an opportunity for these critters to squeeze in. Most hardware stores sell welded wire fencing (such as no-climb horse fencing or 2x4 wire mesh) that is stronger than chicken wire alone and can be used in conjunction with chicken wire to create a safe barrier between your chickens and wildlife. It's recommended to use both the 2x4 wire mesh and chicken wire because chickens can still stick their heads through the 2x4 wire and a sneaky fox could grab them. Chicken wire will prevent the birds from putting their heads through while the 2x4 wire will provide the strength to hold up to small carnivores. Because raccoons have great dexterity be sure that your chicken coop closes with more than just a latch. Either a lock or a carabiner will prevent them from simply opening the latch.

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Concern #2 - Denning on your Property

Resolution - Because our neighborhoods are inviting to small carnivores due to the ease of availability of food, it is common for them to build their nests and dens within our yards. If you have identified the animals burrowing under your home (or in the case of raccoons sometimes IN your home) you are going to want to first ensure that they do not have any young in the den. When you are certain there are no young and that the adults are not inside, immediately block off the entry. If you are unsure if they are inside there are excellent "one way" doors that can be fitted to the entry so once they leave they cannot get back inside (check out the external links below for more information on these doors.) If they have young in the den, use loud music and strong scented essential oils like peppermint within the area. Avoid using mothballs. Most wildlife will have a secondary nest site so they will begin to move their babies to the new nest once the one under your home or shed has become uninviting. Be sure to immediately patch any holes or entryways along your foundation or roofing to prevent the animals from returning.

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Concern #3 - Rabies, Distemper, and other Diseases 

Resolution - Unfortunately for raccoons, skunks, and foxes, they tend to be known as disease vectors, especially when it comes to rabies. This is why it is important to discourage them from living directly within our yards and under homes. Keeping pets up to date on vaccines is important as most disease can be transferred to dogs by bites from infected wildlife. Keep bushes and trees trimmed and away from the ground to prevent hiding places for these small carnivores. If you notice skunks, foxes, or raccoons acting odd such as approaching people or pets, excessive drooling, twitching, isolating, etc. it is best to contact a wildlife professional with Colorado Parks and Wildlife or the Colorado Department of Agriculture for further assistance. Depending on the time of year it is not unusual to see these animals out during the day time as they may be caring for young which require round the clock care so do not be alarmed if you see them during daylight hours unless they are acting unusual like mentioned above.

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Concern #4 - General Ways to Prevent Raccoons, Skunks, and Foxes from the Area

Resolutions: Clear away overgrown plants, trim around tree trunks, keep pet food inside and feed pets inside to avoid spillage, use motion sensor lighting, and keep trashcan lids tight and the bins in a secure area.