Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure

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Fast Facts:

The skunk is easily recognized with its characteristic white stripe that runs down its back. The coloration is used as a warning to predators and not for camouflage.
They are most known for their foul spray they emit from their anal glands when threatened. The skunk will warn before spraying by turning their rear towards the intruder, raising its tail and stomping its feet.

Skunk

Scientific Name	Mephitis mephitis
Classification	Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae
Status	Stable, however the Eastern Spotted Skunk is endangered.
Range	United States and Canada
Habitat	Variety of habitats
Diet	Insects, small mammals, seasonal berries, nuts, fruit and birds' eggs
Size	Length: 13-18 inches with a tail 7-10 inches Weight: 2-10 pounds
Lifespan	7 yrs
Location
Print Fact Sheet	Skunk

Special Features

Skunks are resistant to snake venom.
Although skunks can swim well, they do so only to save their lives.
They use their long claws to dig up beetle grubs and earthworms.
It can spray 7 or 8 times in a row.
The spray is travel 12 feet.
The spray can cause temporary blindness if it gets into the eyes of the intruder.
The Great Horned Owl is the only predator immune to the spray.

Social Structure & Behavior

Skunks spend the day sleeping in dens that they dig themselves or borrow from other animal species. They will share a den with fox or raccoons. Live in small groups.

Reproduction
Sexual maturity is 11 months. Breeding season is February and March. Gestation is 59-77 days. Litter size is 5-8 kits. They are weaned at 6-8 weeks. Kits stay with their mother until the next breeding season.