Striped Skunk

Photo by Wallace Keck

Scientific Name

Mephitis mephitis

Identification

• 3-10 lbs
• Has black fur with two distinct white stripes down its back

Range and Habitat

The striped skunk can be found across the United States, both in rural and urban areas. They tend to live in forests as well as open fields and brushy areas. Their preferred shelter is rocky outcroppings, but they may also take over other animals' abandoned burrows.

Diet

Skunks have an omnivorous diet. They like to eat insects like beetles and grass hoppers. Mice, birds and their eggs, carrion, fruits, nuts, and garden crops are other frequent meal items. They may invade farmlands but generally help with pest management (i.e. eating mice and rats).

Fun Facts

• Skunks are infamous for their ability to spray a foul odor to deter predators. They can spray their scent up to 15 feet! They also have the ability to spray at just 3 weeks old.
• Skunks have few natural predators, but they do face dangers from raptors, coyotes, and sometimes mountain lions.
• While they prefer to stay on dry land, skunks are capable swimmers and will venture out on to the water to reach food.

 

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