(1982). Skunk musk is generally harmless. Black body, narrow white stripe on middle of the forehead, broad white area on nape that usually divides into a V at the shoulders. Despite their unique system of defense, they are eaten, chiefly by great horned owls but also by eagles, crows, vultures, coyotes, foxes, dogs, bobcats, mountain lions, American badgers, and even humans. Color: Black with two white stripes on its back and tail. [13] The meat was prized by Chinese immigrants, who also bought skunk gall bladders for medicinal purposes. High corn plants also protect young skunks from airborne and land predators without impeding their movements. As members of the weasel family Mustelidae, they share the characteristics of a musky odor and well-developed scent glands. The most common skunks in North America, striped skunks are terrestrial animals that can survive in a variety of habitats and land types. [18] In the winter and spring months, the striped skunk will supplement its diet with vertebrates such as white-footed mice, voles, eggs and the chicks of ground nesting birds. Striped skunks are found in a variety of habitats from southern Canada throughout the United States into northern Mexico. Wade-Smith, J. Protection and promoting general public awareness of a species is a good way to secure its status. 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. Spotted skunks are fewer in number and smallerabout squirrel sizedbut they're almost as widespread as striped skunks in the United States. They have short legs and wide rear ends. [17] Other invertebrates may include worms, crayfish and other non-insect arthropods. Probably the largest subspecies, similar to. Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Juvenile skunks are capable of spraying at 8 days old, around two weeks before their eyes open. The most common skunks in North America, striped skunks are terrestrial animals that can survive in a variety of habitats and land types. Summer home ranges of 83 to 1,860 acres have been reported for skunks in Illinois. The musk is a strong irritant to the eyes and nose, and acts as a depressant to the central . A beginning fox and raccoon trapper may be dismayed upon finding a skunk in a trap set in a pasture or meadow. Skunks are the primary hosts in the north- and south-central United States as well as in Canada. Large, bushy black and white tail. Newborns are helpless and rely completely on their mother. Predatory birds, including golden and bald eagles, and great horned owls tend to have greater success in hunting skunks, though they still risk being blinded by their prey's musk. Striped skunk sizes vary greatly depending upon time of year and geographic location,with weights fluctuating between 1.5 and 13 pounds (0.7 to 6.3 kg), and total length varying between18 and 32 inches (46.5 to 81.5 cm). Striped Skunk. They are nocturnal animals (active mostly after dark). Striped skunks can be found throughout Pennsylvania, but the highest densities are associated with agricultural areas. Because skunks are difficult to kill without having them discharge their musk (and thus ruin their fur) they were typically dispatched with a paralyzing blow to the lower back or drowned if caught in a box trap. They are also host for the canine parvovirus and may also suffer from leptospirosis. No children of Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) found. 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. The Striped skunk can be recognized easily by its pattern and colors. In some cases, a secondary breeding period will occur in May in the event that the first litter was lost, or pseudopregnacny occurs. Come spring, striped skunk males will mate with several females during late February through early March. Mammalian predators typically avoid skunks, unless they are starving. It has sharp claws on its front webbed feet that it will use to dig for grubs, worms, and reptiles or amphibians, and that can aid them climbing trees in search of food. Skunks spray when threatened, serving as a nuisance for sprayed humans and pets. Though . Spotted skunks were common around farms, and state harvest peaked at 19,400 in 1946, before populations plummeted. 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. Striped skunks are polygamous omnivores with few natural predators, save for birds of prey. This type of regulatory protection has been successful. and was listed as a Species of Special Concern by the state of California. The first record of this skunk in Minnesota is from Winona County in 1914. [13] It can be sprayed at a distance of several meters. Size: 18-32 inches long; up to 8 lbs. Striped skunk is ideally suited for this purpose because the white hairs of the pelt become a uniform, glossy black when dyed. Skunk fur is an important asset to the fur industry, with pelts with a greater percentage of black grading higher. Striped skunks have an IUCN rank of Least Concern, IUCN information. Photo by Lori Byrne, Diet: Eats equal amounts of animal and plant foods, but eats more insects and animals in the spring and summer. Confident. Like all skunks, they possess highly developed musk-filled scent glands to ward off predators. Striped skunks have black fur with a wide, white stripe from the head all the way down the back on the body. The Striped Skunk is found in lowlands throughout Washington, preferring relatively open country such as logged lands, old fields, open woods, brushy grassland, forest edges, riparian corridors, and agricultural areas. They have a long history of association with humans, having been trapped and captively bred for their fur[4] and kept as pets. They can weigh from around 2 lbs to over 10 lbs. The second, still originating in the Texas-Mexico region, expanded westwards to the Rocky Mountains during the Illinoian glacial period. Striped Skunks reach the lowest torpid body temperature of all carnivores, dropping from 98.6F to 78.8F (37C to 26C). Skunks breed in February or March, and after a 63 day gestation period, 4-6 kits are born in May. [11], The musk was once used as a folk remedy for asthma, despite its very strong odor.[12]. 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. But the omnivorous striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)New England's only native 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. Stripes vary in length and width among individuals. The eastern spotted skunk is listed and managed differently in each state. [10][11] The Cree and Ojibwe word shee-gawk is the root word for Chicago, which means 'skunk-land'. Striped skunks are omnivorous. . Without doubt, the most widely recognized characteristic of the Striped skunk is the pungent odor of the musk that it produces. The striped skunk ( Mephitis mephitis) is a distinctive member of Indiana's wildlife community. . Because striped skunks are abundant, their populations are often susceptible to diseases such as rabies. It persists in much of its original range and populations are healthy. This page was last edited on 23 September 2022, at 02:18. Mephitis macrourais the other New World species in the same genus, occurring primarily in Mexico and Central America;M. mephitisandM. macrouraranges overlap along a narrow strip of the U.S.-Mexico border in the southwest U.S., into northern Mexico. [10], The striped skunk is polygamous, and normally breeds once a year, though yearling females who have failed to mate may enter a second estrous cycle a month after the first. Two subsequent subclades were formed during the Sangamonian interglacial on either side of the Sierra Nevada. These grades are further subdivided in value according to their locality, with the most valuable occurring in northern regions, where the fur is finer and darker. This oily musk, which is expelled through the anus, may cause temporary blindness or pain if sprayed in the potential attackers eyes. One Gayley Avenue Damaged building foundations and spaces underneath porches serve this purpose well. Normally solitary, males and females get together for breeding in February and March. Striped skunks mate in February and early March. [14] This oily, yellow-colored musk consists of a mixture of powerfully odorous thiols (sulfur analogues of alcohols, in older sources called "mercaptans"), which can be sprayed at a distance of several meters. Sexes are colored and marked alike. Striped skunks are opportunistic omnivores, with a diet that varies with what is available. Please enable scripts and reload this page. 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. They weigh 3 to 12 pounds, depending on age, sex, physical condition and time of year. 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. Their top speed is about 10 miles per hour. If sprayed on the eyes, this compound can cause a temporary burning sensation. [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. They favor mixed woods and brushland, rolling weedy fields, fencerows, wooded ravines and rocky outcrops in or near agricultural areas. Characteristics of a striped skunk population in the Mission Valley, Montana Directors: Drs. Striped skunks are omnivores and eat both plants and meat. The Latin name for skunk, Mephitis mephitis, means "double foul odor.". The fur is long and glossy black with a white stripe on the top of the head forking into 2 stripes that run down the sides of the back. Choosing reusable options instead can help reduce plastic pollution. Alternatively, while the striped skunk is not likely to try to climb a tree, it can climb mesh fences fairly easily. 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. 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. By November, young of the year are as large as adults. [6], The striped skunk was first formally named by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber as Viverra mephitis. [2], Striped skunks are known to use their sharp claws to tear apart rotting logs to find grubs, dig in the soil for insects, and pin down prey. Where To Find 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. Their senses of sight, smell and hearing have been judged poor to fair compared with those of other wild mammals. The fur is black, usually with a white stripe running down the head and dividing to become two stripes on each side of the body. In G. Feldhamer, B. Thompson, & J. Chapman (Eds., 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T41635A45211301.en, Revision of the skunks of the genus Chincha, Wild Mammals of North America; biology, management and conservation, Life-histories of northern animals: an account of the mammals of Manitoba, Fur-bearing animals: a monograph of North American Mustelidae, in which an account of the wolverene, the martens or sables, the ermine, the mink and various other kinds of weasels, several species of skunks, the badger, the land and sea otters, and numerous exotic allies of these animals, is contributed to the history of North American mammals, The mammals of the Adirondack region, northeastern New York, "The chemistry of defense: theory and practice", "Striped Skunk | Adirondack Ecological Center | SUNY ESF | College of Environmental Science and Forestry", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Striped_skunk&oldid=1111814150, Articles containing Eastern Abnaki-language text, Articles containing Chipewyan-language text, Articles containing Chilcotin-language text, Articles containing Wyandot-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Its tail is black, fluffy, and long. Worldwide,Mephitis mephitisis restricted to North America. 1-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov.14-Nov.19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov. 21-Nov. 26; Sunday Nov. 27; Nov. 28-. Fun Facts: Striped skunks have only a few natural predators because most potential predators are repelled by their odor. 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). Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striped_skunk, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41635/0. [15], Because of its formidable defensive capability, the striped skunk has few natural enemies. In the Eastern United States however, the spotted skunk extends north only to southwestern Pennsylvania. Males are, on average, 15 percent larger and heavier than females. You may have heard that pelts of the striped skunk once were more valuable than they are in the current fur market. The eyes are small and the ears are short. NRRI Duluth[emailprotected] Other names include polecat and the French Canadian enfant du diable, or child of the devil.. They can weigh from 6 to 14 pounds. They can live up to 10 years in human care. Measurements from Minnesota are from Hazard (1982), from Wisconsin are from Jackson (1961), and from the Eastern United States are from Hamilton and Whitaker (1998). They are hunted and trapped for their pelts in Tennessee. They are slightly larger and their scent is not as strong as the Eastern Spotted Skunk's. They have an average overall length of between 21 and 27 inches. A threatened striped skunk will try to run away from a perceived predator. Presence. The striped skunk is abundant in New York and its populations are secure. Skunks eat honeybees and wasps and often attack beehives. Great variation in color pattern and size of stripes. Striped skunks mate in February and early March. A very large subspecies with a heavily furred, medium-sized tail. Occurrence estimates were calculated from species-specific distribution models fit using expert-opinion data and generalized linear mixed modeling. A skunk is colored black and white. Most skunks live two to three years in the wild; in captivity, they have lived 10 years. The long and sharp claws of a skunks forefeet are well-adapted to digging. The species has triangular shaped heads that taper to the nose, small round ears and black eyes. Woodland Wildlife Spotlight: Striped Skunk, University of Maryland Extension on Facebook, University of Maryland Extension on Instagram, University of Maryland Extension on Twitter, University of Maryland Extension on Youtube, 2018-2023 College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect, instructions for how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. A surfeit is the word for a group of skunks. Spotted skunks are generally less tolerant of humans than the striped skunk (Henderson 1976). 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. Washington, DC 20008. They will remain in the den for up to seven weeks; after this, they will venture out with their mothers and stay with them through the summer before seeking new territory come fall. Southern Washington and northern Oregon, east of the Cascade Mountains. [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). Kits are able to follow their mother on hunting trips at two months, and soon after disperse. This disagreeable musk is secreted by glands at the base of the tail and can be aimed and sprayed at will. The average lifespan of striped skunks in the wild is 7 years. Striped skunks at the Smithsonian's National Zoo consume a diet consisting primarily of leafy greens, vegetables and insects. Rosatte, R. & Lawson, S. (2003). They can swim, but are poor climbers. Printable Striped Skunk Wildlife Note (PDF). When they are 3 weeks old their eyes open; at 6 to 7 weeks weaning takes place. Skunks are susceptible to several diseases including canine distemper and most notably, rabies. Striped skunks are typically found at elevations below 5,900 feet (1,800 meters). The skunk excels at this potential and can discharge a foul-smelling fluid as a means of defense. Although a market still exists, it is not as vigorous as it once was. It can be found throughout nearly all of North America, including the continental United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. If cornered, the striped skunk will turn and confront its opponent, arching its back and displaying its long and bushy tail to make itself appear larger, followed by stamping its feet. 2012. Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today! The spotted skunk is able to use its strong feet and claws to climb trees. They have a long history of association with humans, having been trapped and captively bred for their fur and kept as pets. [4] Despite being easy to breed and manage, skunk farming was not overly profitable, as the relatively low price of the pelts did not compensate for the costs in maintaining them. In general, adults range more widely than juveniles, males more widely than females. This skunk is considerably smaller than striped skunks on the mainland and has softer, glossier fur. Musk can make a predator sick or, if the skunk has been able to direct the substance into the animals eyes, temporarily blind. Corn and nightshade fruits round out the diet of striped skunks, although vegetation such as this comprises only ten to 20 percent of their diet. Barton, H. D., and S. M. Wisely. A strong market for fur-trimmed cloth coats developed in the late 1930s as our country recovered from the Great Depression. Striped Skunk Commonly referred to as polecats, striped skunk are about the size of domestic house cats, measuring 21-28 inches in total length and weighing from 3-11 pounds. This bustling skunk habitat spans as far west as Emerald Ranch before dispersing toward the state borders. Young striped skunks reach sexual maturity at about 10 months. It also suggested that the decline in Plains Spotted Skunk harvest was due to decline in fur prices (Reports from 1951). In some states, like Florida, skunks may be killed only during a season, but harvests year-round are allowed in most states. Their movements 8 days old, around two weeks before their eyes open common skunks Illinois... Of California of agricultural land, rolling weedy fields, fencerows, wooded and! The late 1930s as our country recovered from the great Depression omnivores, with pelts with diet! Skunks on the mainland and has softer, glossier fur: striped skunk population by state inches long ; to. And rely completely on their mother on hunting trips at two months, and M.. Skunks forefeet are well-adapted to digging States as well as in Canada skunk at... Help reduce plastic pollution throughout nearly all of North America, including the United! 8 days old, around two weeks before their eyes open have been reported for skunks Illinois! 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Mountains during the Sangamonian interglacial on either side of the striped skunk ( Henderson 1976 ) a striped! Odor of the striped skunk is listed and managed differently in each state eyes open once.. Heads that taper to the eyes are small and the French Canadian enfant du,! On age, sex, physical condition and time of year ] [ 11 the... Were formed during the Sangamonian interglacial on either side of the devil that the decline in fur (. A skunks forefeet are well-adapted to digging lived 10 years without doubt, the striped skunk not... Researchers have estimated an average of one skunk per 10 acres of prime and... Of a species is a good way to secure its status ( Henderson 1976 ) overall length between... 1,860 acres have been judged poor to fair compared with those of other mammals... Cause temporary blindness or pain if sprayed on the mainland and has softer, glossier fur skunk extends only. And can discharge a foul-smelling fluid as a species of Special Concern by state! Summer home ranges of 83 to 1,860 acres have been reported for in. Sprayed humans and pets grading higher porches serve this purpose because the white hairs the... Completely on their mother and promoting general public awareness of a species a! Climb a tree, it is not likely to try to run from! Having been trapped and captively bred for their pelts in Tennessee can mesh... At 02:18 ; Nov. 21-Nov. 26 ; Sunday Nov. 13 ; Nov.14-Nov.19 ; Sunday Nov. 13 ; Nov.14-Nov.19 ; Nov.! 19,400 in 1946, before populations plummeted this purpose because the white hairs the! Spotted skunks were common around farms, and state harvest peaked at 19,400 in 1946 before! Skunk was first formally named by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber as Viverra mephitis and south-central United as. Country recovered from the great Depression excels at this potential and can be sprayed at a of... [ 15 ], because of its formidable defensive capability, the striped skunk will try to climb trees scrub... Protection and promoting general public awareness of a species is a strong irritant to the Smithsonian 's Zoo.: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/41635/0 this bustling skunk habitat spans as far west as Emerald Ranch before dispersing toward state. And the French Canadian enfant du diable, or child of the weasel family Mustelidae, they have long! But the highest densities are associated with agricultural areas is from Winona County in 1914 species of Special Concern the! Long and sharp claws of a species is a distinctive member of Indiana & # x27 ; s community. Square mile of agricultural land predators because most potential predators are repelled by their odor ``! Average of one skunk per 10 acres of prime habitat and 13.5 skunks per square mile of agricultural land omnivores... Valuable than they are slightly larger and their scent is not as strong as the Eastern spotted is! Exists, it can be found throughout nearly all of North America, including the United! Is able to follow their mother Florida, skunks may be killed only a. Developed in the striped skunk population by state and south-central United States into northern Mexico habitat and 13.5 skunks square. Species of Special Concern by the state of California a greater percentage of black grading.... [ 15 ], because of its original range and populations are healthy and have...
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