What do skunks look like? Striped skunks are mainly black with a white cap on the head that usually splits into two stripes that go down its back, although the amount of white varies widely. These skunks also have a thin white stripe that runs from the nose to the forehead. White fur is also evident in the tail. With short legs, relatively small head, wide hind quarters and long, bushy tail, skunks are about six inches high at the shoulder and weigh on average between five and 10 pounds. Long curved claws on the forefeet are used for digging while the hind claws are more short and straight. Different types of skunks live in the United States and in other areas of the world and have varied markings.
What is the habitat of the skunk? Striped skunks are found in southern Canada and throughout all of the United States. Skunks are an “ecotone” animal, meaning they are found in the transition zones between natural communities, in this case, fields and forest. Frequently found on farm land, they also take advantage of shelter provided by buildings. Skunks use natural cavities in stonewalls and holes under logs or fallen trees as well as abandoned burrows of groundhogs and red foxes.
What kind of food do skunks eat and do they have any predators? Insects make up a major part of a skunk’s diet in the warm months – using their excellent sense of smell, skunks can detect even underground insects and dig them up with strong front claws. Skunks also feed on fruit, mice, voles and rats, nuts, bird and turtle eggs, frogs, earthworms and snails as well as carrion. Predators include bobcat, fox, coyote, Great Horned Owl, lynx and humans.
Do skunks have any special adaptations? Skunks are well known for defending themselves with the strong musky odor secreted by scent glands at the base of the tail. Their white stripes are easy to see in the dark and are a skunk’s first warning sign for animals to stay away. Skunks will also stamp their front feet, shuffle backwards and arch their tails before spraying. Spray can be projected 10 to 15 feet with a mist traveling about 45 feet downwind. If needed, skunks can spray five to eight times during one incident from glands that hold only about one tablespoon of scent! The supply of scent is continually being replenished. A skunk’s musk is made up of butylmercaptan, which if sprayed in the eyes can cause severe burning sensations and temporary blindness. Skunks do not hibernate, but will spend much time inside their den during the cold months of December and January, relying on body fat they acquired during late summer. As their mating season starts in February, skunks are again seen on the move.
Fun Fact! Until recently, skunks were classified in the weasel family, Mustelidae, but now, based on molecular evidence, they are in their own separate family, Mephitidae. |
