Mickey, it is difficult to say, without actually seeing the gnaw marks, scat or the animal, itself, what manner of critter you've got. Dependant upon the resonance of the item being chewed, a rat can sound as big as a hippo.

Some careful looking around the perimeter of your house should reveal a path of some sort - more obvious if it is used by a larger animal, of course. The pathway may be little more than matted grass; but my guess is that you will find more than that.

42, I've been told that if they are approached v e r y   s l o w l y, skunks won't really mind your presence *usually*. I have managed to get very near a few different skunks on occasion. However, it is not something I have ever been inclined to try again. I'm just a little wary after having been sprayed once. Once is quite enough.