Skunks, opossum and raccoon compete in backyard scrap

Three furry animals can be seen interacting in the depths of the night

Two skunks, an opossum and a racoon have been captured in a dramatic CCTV video, with each trying to assert their authority in a backyard scrap.

As they forage for food, the three different furry creatures can be seen interacting in the depths of the night.

The midnight rendezvous took place in California and begins when an opossum tries to muscle in on two skunks’ dinner.

The pair, easily identified by their characteristic black and white striping, square up to the smaller animal and scare it away.

The opossum is undeterred and remains on the hunt for food, even as a larger raccoon slinks onto the scene.

At one point, all three of the animals can be seen feasting on food left outside by humans.

Raccoons, skunks and opossums are common backyard marsupials and are marked by their messy eating habits — often leaving food and rubbish scraps behind after feeding.