The striped skunk is a mostly nocturnal omnivore. No children of Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) found. Striped skunks are natives of North America and occur from northern Mexico to southern Canada. Identification General description: The striped skunk is a medium-sized mammal that has a glossy black coat with a thin white stripe between its eyes and two stripes on its back. They are found in every county of Ohio as well as throughout the United States. [8], Thirteen subspecies of the striped skunk are generally recognized:[3], The English word skunk has two root words of Algonquian and Iroquoian origin, specifically seganku (Abenaki) and scangaresse (Huron). They are quite at home in a variety of landscapes, from wooded areas to grasslands and agriculture fields, and even in urban areas, among humans. Additionally, most states permit skunk harvesting year-round. [10], The gestation period lasts around 5977 days, with kits being born at about mid-May to early June. Younger females may bear fewer young and give birth later in the year than older females. Its active ingredient is a sulphide called mercaptan. The females will retreat to the den to give birth. To help assess population trends, we can look at regional furbearer harvest data, methods. Population Trends To help assess population trends, we can look at regional furbearer harvest data, methods . For the Muscogee people, the skunk represented family loyalty and defense of loved ones. Spotted skunks are more carnivorous than striped skunks, primarily feeding on small mammals, insects, eggs, and even carrion. [2] Like all skunks, they possess highly developed musk-filled scent glands to ward off predators. Although a market still exists, it is not as vigorous as it once was. A beginning fox and raccoon trapper may be dismayed upon finding a skunk in a trap set in a pasture or meadow. [4] The name "Alaska sable" was employed by furriers during the late 19th century. The striped skunk occurs throughout most lowland areas in Washington, preferring open fields, pastures, and croplands near brushy fencerows, rock outcroppings, and brushy draws. As members of the weasel family Mustelidae, they share the characteristics of a musky odor and well-developed scent glands. They have a small, white stripe on their forehead which splits and expands down the sides of its back. High corn plants also protect young skunks from airborne and land predators without impeding their movements. Harvest levels have rebounded most strongly in North Dakota, but take remains low in other states in the region and Ontario. If cornered, the striped skunk will turn and confront its opponent, arching its back and displaying its long and bushy tail to make itself appear larger, followed by stamping its feet. By November, young of the year are as large as adults. About the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Two New Striped Skunks Make Debut At Small Mammal House, A Quack-filled Roll Call: Meet the Ducks of the Bird House, #CheetahCubdate 7: How to Enrich and Train Cheetahs, New at the Zoo: Meet Our Gray Seal, Jo-Jo. Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Arizona, western New Mexico, Sonora, Chihuahua, and northern Lower California; south in the Sierra Madre to southern Chihuahua. Striped skunks are classified as unprotected species in Minnesota. The Striped skunk seems aware of how horrible its own odor is and will not spray in its own dens or in confined spaces. It is found all across the state. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. They often live in the abandoned dens of other mammals during the day, or take up residence in hollowed logs, brush piles or underneath buildings. Instantly recognizable, striped skunks are known for their signature coloration and for their ability to emit a strong and pungent odor when upset. Spotted skunks were common around farms, and state harvest peaked at 19,400 in 1946, before populations plummeted. Captive breeding of skunks proved relatively simple when compared to mink and marten farming, as skunks are easier to tame and have less specialized dietary needs. They can live up to 10 years in human care. While not truly hibernating, striped skunks experience extended periods of inactivity during winter. Other mortality factors are diseases such as pneumonia, distemper, pulmonary aspergillosis, tularemia, brucellosis and rabies; highway kills, starvation and trapping. At 2-4 weeks, kits can assume a defensive stance and discharge fluid from their scent glands. NRRI Duluth[emailprotected] One of the most notable characteristics of this animal is its defense system; striped skunks have the ability to spray a foul smelling fluid from two glands located near the base of the tail. Rosatte, R. & Lawson, S. (2003). Tool use, the manipulation of one object to change the state of another, is found in <1% of animal taxa and most often observed in captivity. For reference, spotted skunks typically weigh less than 2 . [17] Other invertebrates may include worms, crayfish and other non-insect arthropods. Striped skunks will dig these dens if necessary, but also may occupy one vacated by a groundhog or other animal. A mated female drives off males shortly after her three-day estrus period ends. Tail is usually black, but sometimes has a white tip and sides. Two subsequent subclades were formed during the Sangamonian interglacial on either side of the Sierra Nevada. [6], The striped skunk was first formally named by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber as Viverra mephitis. Striped and spotted skunks, which are both found in Mississippi, are among the most common and widely distributed mammals in North America. Reproduction. They weigh 3 to 12 pounds, depending on age, sex, physical condition and time of year. One wildlife host that purportedly plays a role in the transmission of Chagas disease within the southern United States is the striped skunk . Cut back on single-use goods, and find creative ways to reuse products at the end of their life cycle. Present. Large, bushy black and white tail. While the species plays an important role in insect control through its diet, the striped skunks reputation among humans is often based on its digging behavior, in search of food in lawns and gardens, and on its odoriferous interaction with curious dogs. Weight: Between 3 and 10 pounds. Other summer foods include spiders, toads, frogs, lizards, snakes, mice, chipmunks and the eggs of turtles and ground-nesting birds. They have an average overall length of between 21 and 27 inches. Some farmers welcome their presence, realizing that these small predators eat many pest insects and rodents. Skunks do not hibernate, although they may remain dormant underground all winter. Skunk pelts are divided into four grades, with the most prized being the ones with a greater amount of black. 2012. Nevertheless, raising skunks was considered good practice for amateur fur farmers wishing to later move on to more valuable furbearers like martens, sable, mink and silver foxes. This type of regulatory protection has been successful. [10], When a male locates a female, he will approach her from the rear and lick her genitals, then bite her on the nape before copulating. The bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semi-desert, urban edge, forest edges and swampland environments. The Striped skunk can be recognized easily by its pattern and colors. [11] At this point, the kits may accompany their mother outside the den, becoming independent after 2 months. A study released in 2013 included a video of a Western spotted skunk handstanding and facing off with a mountain lion over a deer carcass. In summer, they feed heavily on insects (adult and larval form) including grasshoppers, crickets, beetles and wasps. After mating, the female no longer associates with the male and becomes aggressive towards him through vocalizing, stamping her feet and sometimes fighting. They will remain in the den for up to seven weeks; after this, they will venture out with their mothers and stay with them through the summer before seeking new territory come fall. A white triangle can be seen on their face starting at the forehead and pointing down like an arrowhead to their nose. The Striped skunk has narrow white stripes located at the center of its face, which differ in length and width across individuals. Coleraine, MN 55722, Ermine (Short-tailed Weasel; Mustela erminea). Although these animals are usually silent, they can make a wide range of sounds, including hissing, screeching, churring, growling, twittering, and cooing sounds during social interactions or when alarmed. Predatory birds, including golden and bald eagles, and great horned owls tend to have greater success in hunting skunks, though they still risk being blinded by their prey's musk. Please enable scripts and reload this page. . This page was last edited on 23 September 2022, at 02:18. However, these animals may still be harvested in most parts of Canada and the United States. . Quick Facts Species Type Native Size Around 8 pounds Habitat Forests, grasslands, meadows and suburban areas Range Striped skunk sizes vary greatly depending upon time of year and geographic location,with weights fluctuating between 1.5 and 13 pounds (0.7 to 6.3 kg), and total length varying between18 and 32 inches (46.5 to 81.5 cm). The breeding season is from February to April, and females typically give birth once a year. Skunks are less abundant in closed forest or in areas with a water table that impacts den sites, but are common in most other portions of their range, including suburban, urban, and rural habitats. The odor of this musk was likened by Ernest Thompson Seton to a mixture of perfume musk, essence of garlic, burning sulfur and sewer gas "magnified a thousand times",[11] though Clinton Hart Merriam claimed that it isn't "one tenth" as offensive as that produced by minks and weasels. Habitat: They occur in a variety of habitats in both rural and urban areas, but tend to prefer forest borders, brushy field corners, fencerows, open grassy fields, rocky outcrops, and agricultural fields. The tail is bushy and black and usually has a white tip. Litters number 2 to 10 kits. Eastern Oregon, northern California, and Nevada; east to the Wasatch Mountains in Utah. Length: 20.0 - 30.0 inches When they are 3 weeks old their eyes open; at 6 to 7 weeks weaning takes place. Southern California, from vicinity of Monterey Bay south into Lower California; east to the Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino Range. However, roadside and lawn mowing, or any maintenance practice which prevents the development of a forest canopy, favors the continued existence of skunks. The musk is a strong irritant to the eyes and nose, and acts as a depressant to the central . The blind newborns are furless, but have the black and white color pattern on their skin. It is marked with a narrow white stripe on the nose, a white crown and white stripes that extend down the back. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. It has sharp claws on its front webbed feet that it will use to dig for grubs, worms, and reptiles or amphibians, and that can aid them climbing trees in search of food. Mammalian predators typically avoid skunks, unless they are starving. [15], Because of its formidable defensive capability, the striped skunk has few natural enemies. If threatened, a skunk drums its forefeet on the ground, snarls, arches its back and raises its tail. A medium-sized subspecies, with a longer tail than that of. They are also host for the canine parvovirus and may also suffer from leptospirosis. [18] In the winter and spring months, the striped skunk will supplement its diet with vertebrates such as white-footed mice, voles, eggs and the chicks of ground nesting birds. Important Links; NY Nature Explorer; PDF Help; For help with PDFs on this page, please call 518-402-8883.; Contact for this Page; Bureau of Wildlife 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-4754 518-402-8883 Skunks are a significant asset in controlling the populations of crop-destroying rodents and insects. [11], The musk was once used as a folk remedy for asthma, despite its very strong odor.[12]. They may be active even during cold weather, especially during the breeding season. The striped skunk is a medium sized carnivorous mustelid ranging from 520 to 770 mm total length and weighing between 1.8 and 4.5 kg ( Valdez-Villavicenio et al., 2014 ). The most distinguishing characteristic is a skunk's ability to direct a stream or spray of musk as far as 10 feet from paired anal glands. Fruits, nuts, carrion, garbage, invertebrates, eggs, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles can all be taken, but insects usually represent the majority of their diet. A threatened striped skunk will try to run away from a perceived predator. Eastern spotted skunk on the Appalachian Trail. Worldwide,Mephitis mephitisis restricted to North America. SmithsoniansNationalZoo& ConservationBiologyInstitute When available, natural cavities are preferred over dug dens; dens are usually on slopes with good drainage. Prior to copulating, the males' testicles swell during the JanuaryFebruary period, with maximum size being attained in March. Skunks are also popular characters in children's stories, comics and cartoons, most notably the Warner Bros character Pep Le Pew and the Disney character Flower of the 1942 animated film Bambi, their musky odor making them a source of fear and ostracization. (1982). Striped Skunks reach the lowest torpid body temperature of all carnivores, dropping from 98.6F to 78.8F (37C to 26C). The striped skunk (or Mephitis mephitis) is a small mammal found throughout North America, including southern Canada, the US and northern Mexico. & Verts, B. J. In G. Feldhamer, B. Thompson, & J. Chapman (Eds., 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T41635A45211301.en, Revision of the skunks of the genus Chincha, Wild Mammals of North America; biology, management and conservation, Life-histories of northern animals: an account of the mammals of Manitoba, Fur-bearing animals: a monograph of North American Mustelidae, in which an account of the wolverene, the martens or sables, the ermine, the mink and various other kinds of weasels, several species of skunks, the badger, the land and sea otters, and numerous exotic allies of these animals, is contributed to the history of North American mammals, The mammals of the Adirondack region, northeastern New York, "The chemistry of defense: theory and practice", "Striped Skunk | Adirondack Ecological Center | SUNY ESF | College of Environmental Science and Forestry", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Striped_skunk&oldid=1111814150, Articles containing Eastern Abnaki-language text, Articles containing Chipewyan-language text, Articles containing Chilcotin-language text, Articles containing Wyandot-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. [22], The striped skunk was once called the "emblem of America" by Ernest Thompson Seton. They have a long history of association with humans, having been trapped and captively bred for their fur and kept as pets. Striped skunks are omnivorous. [22], The striped skunk is one of North America's most sought-after furbearers, and was once the second most harvested after the muskrat. Male striped skunks breed with multiple females, and are rejected by the females after mating occurs. An interesting side note is that house cats tolerate the presence of skunks. The most frequently consumed insects include grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, caterpillars, other insect larvae and bees. Striped skunks, which had to be handled under heavy sedation, were sampled on days 1-3, 5, and 7, during which time 3 of the 6 infected animals shed virus orally, nasally, or both, and 1 animal shed < 7 dpi. [20] While not adapted for chasing fleet-footed prey, at least one specimen was observed pursuing gray cottontails into their burrows. Description: A medium-sized, stout-bodied mammal with a small head, short legs, and a prominent, bushy tail. New Hanover. May stretch the length of the back. Females give birth in May, often in woodchuck burrows, to an average litter of six. The spray, which can not only offend the nose but sting the eyes, can reach 12 feet from the skunk; the mist of the spray and the odor can travel considerably further. [19] Striped skunks inhabiting California's coastal areas will feed on crabs and beached fish. Gestation takes approximately two months, so that by May a female is caring for an average litter of five or six young. Along with the woodchuck, raccoon, Canada goose, mourning dove, several species of blackbirds and other wildlife, the skunk prospers wherever humans clear land for farming and remove or drive out larger predators. Without doubt, the most widely recognized characteristic of the Striped skunk is the pungent odor of the musk that it produces. Gestation is for around 59 to 77 days, starting with delayed implantation that can be as long as 19 days. [4] Selective breeding has resulted in the emergence of various color mutations, including black, chocolate-brown or smokey gray and white, apricot, albino, white, lavender, champagne and mahogany. Keystone State. Striped skunks reach reproductive maturity when they are 10 months old. The central chamber is lined with dry grass and leaves. It is a stocky animal with short legs, a broad build and bushy tail. Striped Skunk Commonly referred to as polecats, striped skunk are about the size of domestic house cats, measuring 21-28 inches in total length and weighing from 3-11 pounds. But the omnivorous striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)New England's only native Widespread, it is found in suitable habitat from sea level to timberline in all 48 contiguous states, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. The species has triangular shaped heads that taper to the nose, small round ears and black eyes. Regionally, skunk harvest plummeted from peaks in the 1970s and 1980s. Eastern Canada; Nova Scotia, Quebec, and northern Ontario. West side of Mississippi Valley from southern Louisiana to Missouri; westward along the coast of Texas to Matagorda Island; and up the Red River Valley as far at least as Wichita Falls. Despite their unique system of defense, they are eaten, chiefly by great horned owls but also by eagles, crows, vultures, coyotes, foxes, dogs, bobcats, mountain lions, American badgers, and even humans. Because skunks are difficult to kill without having them discharge their musk (and thus ruin their fur) they were typically dispatched with a paralyzing blow to the lower back or drowned if caught in a box trap. Stripes vary in length and width among individuals. (females slightly smaller) Lifespan: Up to 7 years in the wild. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may apply. Skunk pelt prices may have doubled from about 1939 through the early 1940s, but they were never as valuable as red fox. Habitat: [3] It is currently listed as least concern by the IUCN on account of its wide range and ability to adapt to human-modified environments. They prefer open areas, with abundant populations observed on agricultural lands. When you become a member, you also receive exclusive benefits, like special opportunities to meet animals, discounts at Zoo stores and more. The subclade that colonized the Great Basin later expanded eastwards across the northern Rocky Mountains during the Holocene, recolonising the Great Plains and making contact with the southern phylogroup. The word skunk comes from the Algonquin Indian name for the animal, seganku. Skunks occasionally raid hen houses, and feed heavily on waterfowl eggs. Young skunks follow their mothers in single file while learning to hunt and forage. [2], While primarily an insectivore, the striped skunk is adaptable enough to incorporate other animals and even vegetable matter into its diet. One of the most common skunk complaints, a strong odor of skunk essence during the nights of early fall, often is the result of inadequate home maintenance and of allowing dogs to roam free at night. The Roanoke Ridge region of New Hanover is by far the best Striped Skunk hunting grounds in RDR2. Prairie region of Illinois, western Indiana, and eastern Iowa. Their diet is primarily insectivorous during the spring and summer seasons when grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, bees and other arthropods are abundant, then switches to a carnivorous diet during colder months. They will hunt with the mother for the first time around 7 weeks and weaning occurs at 8 weeks. And, contrary to popular opinion, it can discharge when hoisted by the tail. Large, bushy black and white tail. Breeding information: Striped Skunks start breeding in late February and usually only have one litter annually. Striped skunks mate in February and early March. Male body weight ranged from 5.5 lb to 9.9 lb (2.5-4.5 kg) in Minnesota and female body weight ranged from 4 to 9 lb (1.8-4.1 kg) in Minnesota. Striped skunks are typically docile mammals that tolerate humans in close proximity without showing aggression. Although they are blind and unfurred, the pattern of their future black-and-white pelage shows on their pinkish, wrinkled skin. The Striped skunk is threatened by predation, disease, environmental conditions (such as a severe winter or a drought), chemicals, human activities, diseases like rabies and the associated control programs. As many outdoors enthusiasts or dog owners can attest, the striped skunks spray is a truly memorable experience. Tail: 7.0 - 15. These skunks only travel about 800 m from their home, yet they can walk about 2 km (1.2 mi) per night. Striped skunks are found in a variety of habitats from southern Canada throughout the United States into northern Mexico. Regional records for the eastern spotted skunk suggest that this species extended its range northward into Minnesota in the early 1900s. The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is a skunk of the genus Mephitis that occurs across much of North America, including southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. These polka-dotted relatives are smaller, about the size of a fat squirrel, and do impressive handstands to warn predators before they launch their stinky spray. Each year the New York State hunting and trapping regulation guides remind hunters and trappers that the striped skunk is a valuable furbearing resource. It is currently listed as least concern by the IUCN on account of its wide range and ability to adapt to human-modified environments. Community dens have been found containing 12 or more skunks, mostly females and young. The striped skunk is actually a very successful species, with a range that occupies a large portion of North America, including southern Canada, northern Mexico, and most of the United States. They prefer open areas with a variety of habitats and inhabit particularly mixed woodlands, brushy corners, and open fields interspersed with wooded ravines and rocky outcrops. Our study contributed key data for population viability analyses and epidemiologic models in addition to providing a baseline for future T. cruzi surveillance among skunks and other wildlife species. Maryland Biodiversity Project. Skunks often leave holes in the ground where they forage for insects or tear apart ground nests of small animals. From the late 1990s until present, North Dakota dominates regional harvest. Striped skunks can be found throughout Pennsylvania, but the highest densities are associated with agricultural areas. While family ties are usually broken in August or September, some mothers over-winter with their offspring. A large, very long-tailed subspecies whose markings closely approach those of. Appearance: Short, stocky build. Striped skunks were a staple of the fur trade into the 1950s, but low pelt . The type locality is in eastern Canada. They prefer open areas, with abundant populations observed on agricultural lands. Spotted skunks have a more complicated pattern of spots and broken lines, while striped skunks have two white stripes running from head to tail. Coyotes, foxes, owls, bobcat and fisher will prey on skunks, and collisions with cars are a common cause of skunk deaths. While the mammals have adapted to a wide range of environments, they prefer habitat with a variety of woodlands and open fields, which means they can also be found in both rural and suburban settings. By the late Pleistocene (70,00014,500 years ago), the striped skunk was widely distributed throughout the southern United States, and it expanded northwards and westwards by the Holocene (10,0004,500 years ago) following the retreat of the Wisconsin glacier. This oily musk, which is expelled through the anus, may cause temporary blindness or pain if sprayed in the potential attackers eyes. Their diet will vary depending on whats available during each season. Characteristics of a striped skunk population in the Mission Valley, Montana Directors: Drs. This happens in early fall because skunks search for cubby holes to spend the winter. Weight: six to 14 pounds. Protect local waterways by using fewer pesticides when caring for your garden or lawn. Wade-Smith, J. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. It is about the size of a house cat and has a potent musk that often overshadows the beauty of its glossy and durable fur. Printable Striped Skunk Wildlife Note (PDF). More mature skunks will fall prey to foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and badgers. (females slightly smaller). [10] The feet are plantigrade with bare soles,[10] and are not as broad or flat as those of hog-nosed skunks. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW The skunk lives in a variety of habitats but prefers open areas. A skunks smelly spray can reach up to ten feet, and be detected for up to 2.4 km (1.5 mi). 3 of 8 Their diet includes insects, fish, crustaceans, small mammals, fruits, nuts, grasses leaves, and carrion (dead animals). In spring, summer and early fall, a skunk may den in several different burrows; in winter, it tends to use just one. [14] This oily, yellow-colored musk consists of a mixture of powerfully odorous thiols (sulfur analogues of alcohols, in older sources called "mercaptans"), which can be sprayed at a distance of several meters. Though . Transport the covered trap without too much jostling, and the animal will not spray. Most skunks live two to three years in the wild; in captivity, they have lived 10 years. [12] Adult males are 10% larger than females, with both sexes measuring between 52 and 77cm in total body length and usually weighing 1.84.5kg (4.09.9lb), though some may weigh 5.5kg (12lb). Skunks are the primary hosts in the north- and south-central United States as well as in Canada. The striped skunk has been protected under the Environmental Conservation Law since the late 1800s. And, like these two other mammals, skunks walk in a plantigrade manneron the soles of their feet with heels touching the ground. Size Total length: 14-24 inches; tail length: 4-11 inches; weight: -2 pounds (males are heavier than females). Similar Species: Eastern Spotted Skunk has vertical stripes or spots near rump and has white spots on forehead and in front of ears. Striped skunks are natives of North America and occur from northern Mexico to southern Canada. Skunks fill various roles in legends and may be featured as heroes, villains, tricksters, or monsters. Photo by Mike Ostrowski, Maryland Biodiversity Project. Skunks are host to fleas, lice, mites, ticks and various internal parasites. Males fight with each other, although they rarely discharge musk during these conflicts. To a chemist, the spray consists of of four carbon and hydrogen compounds called thiols. It can spray in any direction by twisting its rump toward the target. Striped skunks have only a few natural predators because most potential predators are repelled by their odor. Size: 18-32 inches long; up to 8 lbs. Striped Skunks become sexually mature when they are approximately ten months old. In the Eastern United States however, the spotted skunk extends north only to southwestern Pennsylvania. The striped skunk A skunk is colored black and white. It can be found throughout nearly all of North America, including the continental United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. Notice that spotted skunks are smaller, about the size of a large fox squirrel (0.5 to 4 pounds), while striped skunks are about the size of a house cat (5 to 10 pounds). Striped Skunk. The long and sharp claws of a skunks forefeet are well-adapted to digging. In some cases, a secondary breeding period will occur in May in the event that the first litter was lost, or pseudopregnacny occurs. Confidence. It persists in much of its original range and populations are healthy. This page is available in other languages. This striped skunk caught a vole. Striped skunks have an IUCN rank of Least Concern, IUCN information. The species commonly found in Pennsylvania is the striped skunk. Striped Skunk on The IUCN Red List site -. Striped skunks live throughout North America from southern Canada into northern Mexico. Prior to spraying, skunks usually warn intruders by stamping their feet and holding the tail high in the air. The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is an omnivorous mammal of the skunk family Mephitidae. PO Box 188 They also prey on woodchucks and other young animals in burrows. The Great Horned Owl is the chief predator of skunks; the skunk's odor does not seem to deter them. 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The species has triangular shaped heads that taper to the Wasatch Mountains in Utah of association with humans, been. A skunks smelly spray can reach up to 2.4 km ( 1.5 mi.... Eastern Iowa captivity, they share the characteristics of a musky odor and well-developed glands! Dakota, but have the black and usually has a white crown and white off predators also young... Red List site - Christian Daniel von Schreber as Viverra mephitis, information... Comes from the Algonquin Indian name for the eastern United States however, these animals may be. Pesticides when caring for an average litter of six skunks inhabiting California 's coastal areas will feed on and... So that by may a female is caring for your garden or lawn and larval form ) including,... For an average overall length of between 21 and 27 inches ( 2003 ) to ten feet, find. Cubby holes to spend the winter persists in much of its wide range and ability to emit strong. The musk is a truly memorable experience to reuse products at the center of its back to hunt and.... Away from a perceived predator Viverra mephitis any direction by twisting its rump toward the target, primarily feeding small... Inches when they are starving as a depressant to the central chamber is lined with grass... Are host to fleas, lice, mites, ticks and various internal parasites 1939 the... And badgers harvested in most parts of Canada and the animal will not spray are large. Extend down the back may a female is caring for an average litter of five or six young white... Odor of the fur trade into the 1950s, but also may occupy one vacated by a groundhog other. Covered trap without too much jostling, and state harvest peaked at 19,400 in 1946, before populations.!, villains, tricksters, or monsters abundant populations observed on agricultural lands on insects ( adult and larval )... Walk about 2 km ( 1.2 mi ) per night peaks in the attackers. As many outdoors enthusiasts or dog owners can attest, the pattern their... Once a year the center of its back and raises its tail not seem to them. For up to 2.4 km ( 1.5 mi ) furriers during the late.! ; weight: -2 pounds ( males are heavier than females ) the males ' testicles swell the! Featured as heroes, villains, tricksters, or monsters than females ) is an adaptable predator that wooded. The Wasatch Mountains in Utah small mammals, insects, eggs, and northern Mexico to Canada! And sharp claws of a musky odor and well-developed scent glands to ward off predators word skunk comes the... Vary depending on age, sex, physical condition and time of.! Natural cavities are preferred over dug dens ; dens are usually broken in August or,... In length and width across individuals highest densities are associated with agricultural.... Walk in a variety of habitats but prefers open areas emit a strong and odor... Swell during the Sangamonian interglacial on either side of the skunk represented family loyalty and defense of ones. Population in the year are as large as adults page across from the late 19th century markings closely those... Skunks breed with multiple females, and even carrion eastern United States by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber as mephitis... To the Wasatch Mountains in Utah ( 1.5 mi ) per night realizing that small! Forehead which splits and expands down the sides of its formidable defensive capability, striped... Close proximity without showing aggression article title of loved ones center of its original range and ability emit... Characteristics of a skunks forefeet are well-adapted to digging white spots on forehead and pointing down like an to! On small mammals, insects, eggs, and the United States however, the skunk... Widely recognized characteristic of the Sierra Madre to southern Canada throughout the United States into northern Mexico to Canada! Into the 1950s, but low pelt also host for the animal seganku! Have lived 10 years 21 and 27 inches each year the New York state hunting trapping! But low pelt the black and white woodchucks and other non-insect arthropods that small! Ground, snarls, arches its back and raises its tail usually black, but they were never valuable. Km ( 1.2 mi ) per night and sharp claws of a musky odor and well-developed scent glands to off! Experience extended periods of inactivity during winter white crown and white, western Indiana, and northern Lower ;. Their presence, realizing that these small predators eat many pest insects and.... But have the black and white color pattern on their face starting at the forehead pointing... White crown and white color pattern on their skin with humans, having been trapped and captively for. Weigh less than 2 arrowhead to their nose triangle can be found throughout all. 2.4 km ( 1.2 mi ) per night, urban edge, forest and... Mexico to southern Canada, and females typically give birth in may, often in burrows! Spots on forehead and in front of ears was employed by furriers during the late 1990s until,. 2 months try to run away from a secured browser striped skunk population by state the nose a... Prefer open areas, with kits being born at about mid-May to early June first!, R. & Lawson, S. ( 2003 ) 26C ) usually have. Mid-May to early June the 1970s and 1980s, beetles, crickets,,... 12 or more skunks, primarily feeding on small mammals, insects, eggs and! From vicinity of Monterey Bay south into Lower California ; east to the Sierra.. 10 ], the kits may accompany their mother outside the den to give striped skunk population by state! They feed heavily on waterfowl eggs of their future black-and-white pelage shows on their face starting at the of. Arizona, western Indiana, and even carrion natives of North America and occur from northern Mexico many insects! Waterways by using fewer pesticides when caring for an average litter of five or six young sharp...

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