Skunks are members of the weasel family (Mustelidae). There are four species of skunk in North America: striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), hooded skunks (M. macroura), spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius), and scarce hognosed skunks (Conepatus mesoleucus).
Characteristics:
The striped skunk is easily identified by the white stripe that runs from its head to its tail. Its stripes start with a triangle at the head and break into two stripes down its back. The stripes usually meet again and form one stripe at the base of their tail. Their tails are usually a mixture of white and black fur. Each striped skunk has a unique stripe pattern.
The striped skunk is about the same size as a house cat. It has a small triangular head and little ears. Its legs are short with webbed toes and claws the striped skunk uses for digging and looking for food.
Life Cycle:
Striped skunks mate from mid-February to mid-March. The babies are born about two months later. An average skunk litter has five to six babies. Skunk babies are blind and deaf when they are born. They will nurse in the den for about a month and a half. After they leave the den they may stay with their mother for up to a year.
Behavior:
With their short, stubby legs, it isn’t easy for a skunk to outrun a predator. The striped skunk has developed a unique defense system. When a skunk is threatened, it first tries to run away from the predator. If that doesn’t work, it tries to frighten the predator by arching its back, raising its tail and turning its back on the predator. It may also stomp its feet. If this doesn’t work, as a last resort, the skunk will spray the animal with a strong-smelling fluid. The fluid really stinks and it can also sting the eyes of the predator. This gives the skunk time to get away! A skunk can spray as far as twelve feet!
The skunk is primarily nocturnal. It sleeps in its burrow during the day and hunts at night. It usually doesn’t dig its own burrow. It looks for an abandoned burrow or finds a natural hollow under a tree or building.
TIPS:
1. Do not feed the skunks. They can easily become dependent on human food sources.
2. Never leave pet food outside.
3. Never discard edible garbage where skunks can get to it.
4. Secure garbage containers and eliminate their odors. Use a small amount of ammonia or cayenne pepper in the garbage to discourage scavenging.
5. A persistent, faint skunk odor around a hole leading under a foundation or deck indicates a skunk may be present. To find out, cover the hole with loose dirt; if a skunk is in residence, it will dig out during the night. Allow three days for this test; if dirt remains undisturbed, then close the opening with masonry, boards, or hardware cloth.
6. Install one-way doors on entrances to skunk dens, allowing the skunk to leave at night but barring it from re-entering. Watch for any new holes. Do not use one-way doors during May through August, when babies may be in the den. If the mother cannot return, the babies will starve. This is inhumane and can also cause odor problems.
7. Place mothball-filled socks and/or sprinkle cayenne pepper around your yard to discourage digging.
8. Start a nontoxic insect- control program (especially for grubs) to discourage digging.
9. Fences are effective as long as they are buried at least 1 1/2 feet in the ground.
10. If a skunk strays into your garage, leave a door to the outside open and let the skunk exit on its own.
11. Securely enclose poultry, especially at night. Repair all openings in coop or fencing. Fencing should extend 6 to 8 inches underground to prevent skunks and other animals from digging under.
12. Debris and brush piles should be removed or stacked neatly to eliminate suitable cavities.
13. Blow-up or plastic great horned owls may be strategically placed and periodically moved to deter skunks.
14. Lighting up of denning sites and a portable radio may cause the skunk to seek a more suitable habitat.
15. Keep pet doors closed at night to prevent illegal entry by a skunk.
16. Keep fruit trees picked and don’t leave rotted fruit on the ground.
17. Restrict use of birdseed. Skunks are attracted to it and to the birds and rodents that use the feeder.
18. If possible, eliminate outdoor sources of water.
19. Battery operated flashing lights, tape recorded human noises, scattered moth balls and ammonia-soaked rags strategically placed may deter skunks from entering your yard.
20. Trapping and relocation of skunks is not a recommended or viable alternative. Wild animals are territorial and like species will simply take over the area vacated by the relocated or dead animal.
Further reading:
Project wildlife
Nature Works