mammal · GBIF taxon 5219380
Striped Skunk
Mephitis mephitisAlso known as Common Skunk, North American Skunk
Striped skunks are highly adaptable omnivores easily recognized by their bold black-and-white warning coloration and bushy tails. They lead mostly solitary, nocturnal lives, using their powerful foreclaws to dig for insects, grubs, and small rodents in fields and suburban lawns. When threatened, they perform a series of warning displays, including stomping their front feet, before deploying a highly potent, sulfurous spray from their anal glands.
NocturnalMammalAdaptable
- diet
- Omnivorous (insects, small vertebrates, fruits, seeds, and carrion)
- family
- Mephitidae
- threats
- Vehicle collisions, domestic dog attacks, and rodenticides
- life Span
- 2 to 3 years in the wild, up to 10 years in captivity
LC
Can carry rabies and spray a foul-smelling liquid; observe from a safe distance and never corner them.
- Watch for Warnings: If a skunk stomps its feet or raises its tail, back away slowly and quietly.
- Secure Your Trash: Keep garbage cans tightly sealed to avoid attracting them to your yard.
- Leash Your Pets: Keep dogs on a leash during dawn and dusk to prevent smelly encounters.