Skunks

Geographic Range: Striped skunks occur from central Canada south to northern Mexico.

Status: Striped skunks have no special status or protection.

Length: 22.6 in – 31.49 in, tail length 6.8 – 12.1 in.

Weight: 3.5 – 10 pounds

Description: Skunks are recognized by their characteristic color pattern. The fur is black with a white stripe that begins as a triangular shape on the top of the head, forks into two stripes that travel down the sides of the back, and merges again at the base of the tail. Another white stripe runs from the nose between the eyes to the forehead. Stripe width and length vary with each individual. Stripes sometimes occur on the tail, but the tail is often black and white hairs intermixed.

They walk on the soles of their feet with heels touching the ground and have five partially webbed toes. They have long claws to aid in digging.

Habitat: Skunks prefers somewhat open areas with a mixture of habitats such as woods, grasslands, and agricultural clearings. They are also often found in suburban areas.

Typical Diet: Striped skunks are omnivores. They eat insects, small mammals, fish, crustaceans, fruits, grasses, leaves, buds, grains, nuts, and carrion. They are opportunistic and diet changes depending on the time of year and available resources.

Similar Species: Spotted skunks

Special Notes:

• Striped skunks are nocturnal, sleeping during the day in underground burrows and emerging around dusk to search for food.
• Both males and females undergo periods of inactivity from November until March.
• Mating takes place from mid-February until mid-March.
• The gestation period is between 62-66 days.
• Five or six young are born in each litter.
• Baby striped skunks are blind, deaf, and extremely immature. They nurse for about a month and a half in the mother's den.