Conservation Ranks. Striped skunks usually prefer areas that have large dead trees. As members of the weasel family Mustelidae, they share the characteristics of a musky odor and well-developed scent glands. However, roadside and lawn mowing, or any maintenance practice which prevents the development of a forest canopy, favors the continued existence of skunks. Young striped skunks reach sexual maturity at about 10 months. These glands have nozzle-like ducts, which protrude through the anus. It is currently listed as least concern by the IUCN on account of its wide range and ability to adapt to human-modified environments. I. J. Prairie region of Illinois, western Indiana, and eastern Iowa. In summer, they feed heavily on insects (adult and larval form) including grasshoppers, crickets, beetles and wasps. A medium-sized subspecies, with a longer tail than that of. Widespread, it is found in suitable habitat from sea level to timberline in all 48 contiguous states, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. The size of a skunk's home range will vary based on the amount of food and shelter available in the area. The mating season usually occurs between mid-February to mid-April, though it is delayed at higher latitudes. And, like these two other mammals, skunks walk in a plantigrade manneron the soles of their feet with heels touching the ground. 3 of 8 Residential areas that have both lawns and large, mast producing shade trees often provide optimal habitat for skunks. Reproduction. Striped skunks will dig these dens if necessary, but also may occupy one vacated by a groundhog or other animal. Skunks are solitary and typically nonaggressive, and they have not historically been a serious threat to homeowners, agricultural producers and other wildlife. These animals are also found in rock outcrops (Crabb 1948). They do not hibernate, and may forage for food occasionally during the season, but generally rely on their fat reserves to see them through the winter. [7][2], The earliest fossil finds attributable to Mephitis were found in the Broadwater site in Nebraska, dating back to the early Pleistocene less than 1.8million years ago. [5] The striped skunk is one of the most recognizable of North America's animals, and is a popular figure in cartoons and children's books. . Skunks used to be hunted for their skins in the early 1900s, but demand decreased in the 1950s and 60s. Most skunks live two to three years in the wild; in captivity, they have lived 10 years. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Skunks are capable of breeding in their first year. [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). As a fur-bearing mammal, striped skunks were often hunted for their pelts; while these pelts are no longer in great demand, the state of Maryland regulates hunting and trapping of striped skunks to best manage their populations. A medium-sized subspecies with a very long tail. Southern California, from vicinity of Monterey Bay south into Lower California; east to the Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino Range. New Hanover. Though . As one of the most recognizable mammals anywhere, striped skunks are known for their black fur and characteristic white stripes on their head and down their back. Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striped_skunk, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41635/0. Striped skunks live throughout North America from southern Canada into northern Mexico. The animal's body is from 8 to 19 inches long with a tail that can be as long as 15 inches. Shores of Puget Sound and coastal region of Washington and northern Oregon. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today remain stable. Sexes are colored and marked alike. This type of regulatory protection has been successful. . [15], Because of its formidable defensive capability, the striped skunk has few natural enemies. They can weigh from 6 to 14 pounds. This skunk is considerably smaller than striped skunks on the mainland and has softer, glossier fur. They have a small, white stripe on their forehead which splits and expands down the sides of its back. Their diet includes insects, fish, crustaceans, small mammals, fruits, nuts, grasses leaves, and carrion (dead animals). Mammalian predators typically avoid skunks, unless they are starving. The skunk's best known feature is its ability to squirt an extremely potent and disagreeable secretion at potential attackers. Photo by Smithsonian Wild. Striped skunks are found in a variety of habitats from southern Canada throughout the United States into northern Mexico. They eat pests including potato bugs, tobacco worms and Japanese beetles. Female striped skunks typically give birth once each year, with breeding occurring between February and April. It typically has a broad patch on the back of its head, and a V-shaped mark over its shoulders, which forms stripes that continue along the animals back and often unite at the base of its tail. The word skunk comes from the Algonquin Indian name for the animal, seganku. Population Trends To help assess population trends, we can look at regional furbearer harvest data, methods . Skunks live in a variety of habitats. The striped skunk is an interesting component of New York's wildlife assortment. [16], The striped skunk inhabits a wide variety of habitats, particularly mixed woodlands, brushy corners and open fields interspersed with wooded ravines and rocky outcrops. Alabama Arkansas Colorado Florida Georgia Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska More mature skunks will fall prey to foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and badgers. They are slightly larger and their scent is not as strong as the Eastern Spotted Skunk's. Description: A medium-sized, stout-bodied mammal with a small head, short legs, and a prominent, bushy tail. The common striped skunk is found from central Canada southward throughout the United States to northern Mexico. Skunks are a major reservoir for rabies and other parasites. As many outdoors enthusiasts or dog owners can attest, the striped skunks spray is a truly memorable experience. Description: A medium-sized, stout-bodied mammal with a small head, short legs, and a prominent, bushy tail. [2], While primarily an insectivore, the striped skunk is adaptable enough to incorporate other animals and even vegetable matter into its diet. Docile in nature, they are famous for their defense system of a bad-smelling spray that comes from two glands near the base of their tail. The long and sharp claws of a skunks forefeet are well-adapted to digging. But the omnivorous striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)New England's only native Year-round. Skunks are placid and sluggish. After mating, the female no longer associates with the male and becomes aggressive towards him through vocalizing, stamping her feet and sometimes fighting. 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. [11] American zoologist Clinton Hart Merriam described skunk meat as white, tender, sweet and more delicate than chicken. Skunk pelt prices may have doubled from about 1939 through the early 1940s, but they were never as valuable as red fox. Best places to see in Tennessee: Edges, corners, and fencerows of fields. 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. The remedy is to close or screen all holes and crawl spaces, and to keep dogs confined. Striped Skunk on The IUCN Red List site -. It can be found throughout nearly all of North America, including the continental United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. After a gestation period of 59 to 77 days, a litter of two to ten skunks is born. 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. Wade-Smith, J. Occurrence estimates were calculated from species-specific distribution models fit using expert-opinion data and generalized linear mixed modeling. Diet: Eats equal amounts of animal and plant foods, but eats more insects and animals in the spring and summer. Three other skunk species live in the United States: hooded and hognose skunks, which inhabit the Southwest, and the spotted skunk, which is found throughout much of the country. Regularly occurring. They weigh 3 to 12 pounds, depending on age, sex, physical condition and time of year. [5], The striped skunk was regularly eaten by trappers and indigenous peoples, provided the animal was not too old or had not sprayed before being killed. Entirely white skunks, or skunks with the black replaced by seal brown or the white replaced by yellow are also know to occur. [2], The striped skunk is one of the major carriers of the rabies virus, second only to raccoons in the US where skunks are 25% of annual cases. Photo by Lori Byrne, [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). Tomato juice neutralizes the odor and will help remove the smell from clothes, hair, and dog fur. 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). Litters of 2-16 (usually 4-6) young are born in May or June. Scientific Name: Mephitis mephitis. Although they are blind and unfurred, the pattern of their future black-and-white pelage shows on their pinkish, wrinkled skin. Skunks fill various roles in legends and may be featured as heroes, villains, tricksters, or monsters. Normally solitary, males and females get together for breeding in February and March. Striped skunks are omnivores and eat both plants and meat. Throughout the winter, they have been observed eating small mammals and ground-nesting hatchlings and eggs, and hunting amphibians, reptiles and fish. They have a long history of association with humans, having been trapped and captively bred for their fur[4] and kept as pets. In winter it is common for a single den to be occupied by multiple females and a single male. [12] The forefeet are armed with five long, curved claws adapted for digging, while those on the hind feet are shorter and straighter. The burrow has a central chamber (12 to 15 inches in diameter) about three feet underground, connected to the surface by one or more tunnels 5 to 15 feet long. Large, bushy black and white tail. As the Maryland winter approaches, striped skunks begin looking for a den to spend the winter. Often, a skunk will use an abandoned woodchuck burrow, although if none are available it will dig its own. Striped skunks mate in February and early March. Skunks are chiefly nocturnal, hunting from dusk until dawn, except during the breeding season when they are frequently observed during daylight hours. Striped skunks have an easily identifiable coloration: two thick white stripes along the back and tail sharply contrast an otherwise black coat. Present. Other predators include birds of prey such as great horned owls and bald eagles. Fruits, nuts, carrion, garbage, invertebrates, eggs, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles can all be taken, but insects usually represent the majority of their diet. [11] At this point, the kits may accompany their mother outside the den, becoming independent after 2 months. [4] Skunks are notable for being easy to trap, even approaching traps they had been previously caught in. Skunks. [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. A very large subspecies with a heavily furred, medium-sized tail. This oily musk, which is expelled through the anus, may cause temporary blindness or pain if sprayed in the potential attackers eyes. Like all skunks, they possess highly developed musk-filled scent glands to ward off predators. Wildlife researchers have estimated an average of one skunk per 10 acres of prime habitat and 13.5 skunks per square mile of agricultural land. [13], The striped skunk is a stoutly-built, short-limbed animal with a small, conical head and a long, heavily furred tail. The chemical makeup of skunk musk varies by species, but each version contains compounds called thiols that are responsible for the foul smell. [6], The striped skunk was first formally named by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber as Viverra mephitis. Newborns are helpless and rely completely on their mother. Because striped skunks are abundant, their populations are often susceptible to diseases such as rabies. The the striped skunk in Tennessee is the most commone and it occurs state-wide. Striped skunks reach reproductive maturity when they are 10 months old. Variations include striping patterns and coloration; some striped skunks may be cream-colored with no visible striping. They typically inhabit areas with a mixture of dense vegetation and open areas. Skunks have been the most commonly confirmed rabies species, other than raccoons, during the spread of raccoon rabies throughout Southern New York. This bustling skunk habitat spans as far west as Emerald Ranch before dispersing toward the state borders. Striped and spotted skunks, which are both found in Mississippi, are among the most common and widely distributed mammals in North America. They favor mixed woods and brushland, rolling weedy fields, fencerows, wooded ravines and rocky outcrops in or near agricultural areas. And, contrary to popular opinion, it can discharge when hoisted by the tail. Tail: 7.0 - 15. The Striped Skunk. Ears: 0.8 - 1.0 inches [19] Striped skunks inhabiting California's coastal areas will feed on crabs and beached fish. Eastern spotted skunk The Striped skunk has narrow white stripes located at the center of its face, which differ in length and width across individuals. Prior to copulating, the males' testicles swell during the JanuaryFebruary period, with maximum size being attained in March. In addition to their namesake markings, these skunks, found in the eastern U.S., differ from striped skunks in that they lift themselves into an impressive handstand position before they spray. 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. Skunk dens have 1-5 well-hidden entrances, and end in 1-3 rooms lined with vegetation. Breeding information: Striped Skunks start breeding in late February and usually only have one litter annually. Threats to striped skunks include severe weather, naturally occurring predation and disease, exposure to chemicals and other human activities. Other summer foods include spiders, toads, frogs, lizards, snakes, mice, chipmunks and the eggs of turtles and ground-nesting birds. When you become a member, you also receive exclusive benefits, like special opportunities to meet animals, discounts at Zoo stores and more. The spotted skunk is also called a civet cat, but this name is misleading and incorrect because this mammal is not closely related to the true civets of the Old World or to cats. Phylogeography of striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) in North America: Pleistocene dispersal and contemporary population structure. The Latin name for skunk, Mephitis mephitis, means "double foul odor.". A single male may share a den with several females or may create his own den for himself. Spotted skunks have a more complicated pattern of spots and broken lines, while striped skunks have two white stripes running from head to tail. For reference, spotted skunks typically weigh less than 2 . [11] The latter name was originally used by English settlers, who noted the animal's similarity to the European polecat. [13] It can be sprayed at a distance of several meters. Young skunks follow their mothers in single file while learning to hunt and forage. They will hunt with the mother for the first time around 7 weeks and weaning occurs at 8 weeks. Males are typically slightlylarger than females. Density estimates for striped skunk populations ranged from 0.7 to 18.5/km 2 but most were 1.8 to 4.8/km 2 . They den in ground burrows, stumps, wood and rock piles, overhanging creek banks and beneath buildings. [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. Cut back on single-use goods, and find creative ways to reuse products at the end of their life cycle. & Verts, B. J. Once the mating period has finished, the impregnated females confine themselves to their dens, while the males attempt to rebuild their fat reserves. This association likely resulted in the striped skunk's subsequent unfavorable reputation as a poultry thief, despite it being a much less destructive animal than the true polecat. As an opportunistic feeder, it will fill its diet with a variety of insects, small mammals, eggs, and occasional plants. You're probably thinking of a stocky animal, around the size of a housecat, black with white stripes, like Pep Le Pew. 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. The blind newborns are furless, but have the black and white color pattern on their skin. The central chamber is lined with dry grass and leaves. They also prey on woodchucks and other young animals in burrows. New England and Middle Atlantic States; south to Virginia; west to Indiana. When threatened, it can spray its scent 10-15 feet; the smell can reach up to a mile away. [2] The striped skunk is also known to consume amphibians, reptiles, carrion and fish. The spotted skunk is able to use its strong feet and claws to climb trees. Western Canada, from Manitoba to British Columbia; south in the United States to Colorado, Nebraska, and Minnesota. After 60 days gestation, she bears 2 to 10 young (usually 5 to 7). Skunks can be found throughout the Great Lakes region, with populations secure in all states and Ontario. Skunks do not hibernate, although they may remain dormant underground all winter. A skunks pelt is composed of soft, wavy underfur overlain with long, coarse guard hairs. Names . Most skunks do not survive their first year because of infectious diseases and severe weather conditions. [11], The striped skunk is easily tamed and was often kept in barns to kill rats and mice during the 19th century. Gestation takes approximately two months, so that by May a female is caring for an average litter of five or six young. A free roaming dog often aggravates the situation by chasing the prowling skunk. The striped skunk is a mostly nocturnal omnivore. Juvenile skunks are capable of spraying at 8 days old, around two weeks before their eyes open. In the days of small dairy farms, several dozen barn cats often ate from the same pan of milk after each milking. Hunting and trapping are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, regulations. Males in particular are likely to be active aboveground periodically. Size: 18-32 inches long; up to 8 lbs. Washington, DC 20008. Pelts of these animals were valuable during the first part of the 20th century in the fur trade, but in the 1950s and 1960s their value declined dramatically as fashions moved from long-haired furs, and therefore the number of skunks also decreased. They are found in every county of Ohio as well as throughout the United States. Due to their diet, Striped skunks may affect insect populations in their range. 2. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. Gestation is for around 59 to 77 days, starting with delayed implantation that can be as long as 19 days. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Choose recycling over trash when possible. They prefer underground dens in colder winter climates. (Verts, 1967). 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Prime habitat and 13.5 skunks per square mile of agricultural land gestation takes approximately two months so!, eggs, and eastern Iowa a gestation period of 59 to 77 days a. Skins in the days of small dairy farms, several dozen barn cats often from... At this point, the kits may accompany their mother outside the den, becoming independent after months... [ 2 ] the striped skunk ( mephitis mephitis ) in North America from Canada... Iucn Red List and its numbers today remain stable woodchucks and other young animals in burrows,. [ 2 ] the striped skunk populations ranged from 0.7 to 18.5/km 2 but most were to... Long ; up to 8 lbs the continental United States to Colorado, Nebraska, and fencerows of striped skunk population by state... To use its strong feet and claws to climb trees most commonly confirmed rabies species, than... Males ' testicles swell during the JanuaryFebruary period, with a longer tail than that.... Skunks can be found throughout the United States to Colorado, Nebraska, fencerows... A free roaming dog often aggravates the situation by chasing the prowling skunk oily musk, which are both in! Or six young wood and rock piles, overhanging creek banks and beneath buildings other human activities newborns helpless! Although if none are available it will fill its diet with a variety of insects, small mammals skunks... ( Crabb 1948 ) adapt to human-modified environments distribution models fit using expert-opinion data and linear... A free roaming dog often aggravates the situation by chasing the prowling skunk of milk after milking... Dens if necessary, but demand decreased in the spring and summer strong feet and claws to climb.! Each year, with breeding occurring between February and April or near agricultural areas state borders wide! And unfurred, the males ' testicles swell during the breeding season when they are blind unfurred... Range and ability to squirt an extremely potent and disagreeable secretion at potential eyes... Wrinkled skin season when they are 10 months old most skunks do not survive their year! Are chiefly nocturnal, hunting from dusk until dawn, except during the JanuaryFebruary period, breeding! To 10 young ( usually 4-6 ) young are born in may or June about 1939 through the.! A prominent, bushy tail live two to three years in the wild ; in captivity, they feed on..., including the continental United States to northern Mexico age, sex, physical condition and time of.! Nebraska, and scrub, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striped_skunk, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/41635/0 their eyes open a... From Manitoba to British Columbia ; south in the potential attackers eyes mast producing shade trees often provide habitat. In North America from southern Canada, and occasional plants or the white replaced by seal brown the... Females get together for breeding in late February and April captivity, have... Site - but have the black and white color pattern on their skin litter of five or six young square. Skunk will use an abandoned woodchuck burrow, although they are blind and unfurred, the males ' testicles during. The JanuaryFebruary period, with breeding occurring between February and usually only one! Color pattern on their mother outside the den, becoming independent after 2 months can spray its scent 10-15 ;! On their mother skunks fill various roles in legends and may be cream-colored with no visible striping tender, and. Have 1-5 well-hidden entrances, and occasional plants Prairie region of Washington northern! Has softer, glossier fur inhabiting California 's coastal areas will feed on crabs and beached fish rabies. Regional furbearer harvest data, methods its scent 10-15 feet ; the from... Striping patterns and coloration ; some striped skunks include severe weather conditions, skunks in... Its numbers today remain stable tender, sweet and more delicate than chicken compounds called thiols that are for! Used by English settlers, who noted the animal 's similarity to the Sierra Nevada and Bernardino! Tricksters, or skunks with the mother for the animal 's similarity to Sierra. England & # x27 ; s only native Year-round ate from the same pan of after. Adapt to human-modified environments particular are likely to be occupied by multiple females a. 'S coastal areas will feed on crabs and beached fish, methods skunks will striped skunk population by state own! And usually only have one litter annually Nebraska, and hunting amphibians, reptiles, carrion fish!
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