Facts
- Nocturnal (night-active)
- Omnivore-eats plants, insects, small mammals and amphibians
- 6-14 lbs.; male larger than the female
- Females only give birth once in their life
- Skunks are boldly colored to warn predators to stay away
- Anal glands are highly developed-can spray accurately up to 15 ft.
- Skunks do not spray unless mortally threatened
- They will usually arch their back, raise their tail as a warning
- When spraying, forms a U-shape, lifting head and rump in the air
- Natural predator of the skunk is the great horned owl
- Skunks do not hibernate but can become temporarily dormant during extremely cold weather
People and Striped Skunks
- Ammonia, gasoline and tomato juice all work for removing the skunk's scent out of clothing
- Carbolic soap and water are best for washing skin
- Pelts of the striped skunk are not highly valued, but the musk, once its odor is removed, is used as a perfume base due to its clinging quality
How to Coexist
- Keep garbage cans secure.
- Keep pet food and water inside.
- Mothballs sprinkled on the ground discourage skunks from digging up lawns for insects and visiting homes or campsites, since they and many other small animals are repelled by the smell of camphor.
- If you see a skunk during daylight hours, it is probably sick.
- Since skunks can be rabies and leptospirosis vectors, do not attempt to catch the animal yourself, call a professional.
