Tail length averaged 8.7 (221 mm), ranging from 6.3 to 11.4 (159-290 mm) in the Eastern United States, and ranged from 7.9 to 11.0 (200-280 mm) in Wisconsin. They are nocturnal animals (active mostly after dark). The Striped skunk has narrow white stripes located at the center of its face, which differ in length and width across individuals. [2] Like all skunks, they possess highly developed musk-filled scent glands to ward off predators. Present. What they eat depends on where they live and what is available. Eastern spotted skunk on the Appalachian Trail. In warmer weather, they depend on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, crayfish, and worms, with occasional fruits and nuts. However, recent surveys now . Like the more glamorous members of the weasel family, the skunk also has glossy and durable fur that can be dyed uniformly black for exquisite garment trimming. The skunk's best known feature is its ability to squirt an extremely potent and disagreeable secretion at potential attackers. Size : Total length: 20-30 inches; tail length: 7-15 inches; weight: 2-11 pounds. They will hunt with the mother for the first time around 7 weeks and weaning occurs at 8 weeks. Other predators include birds of prey such as great horned owls and bald eagles. They also can get and spread rabies and other wildlife diseases. Winter home ranges tend to be smaller than summer home ranges since skunks typically stay close to their dens. 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. Young striped skunks reach sexual maturity at about 10 months. The striped skunk (or Mephitis mephitis) is a small mammal found throughout North America, including southern Canada, the US and northern Mexico. Skunks readily adapt to urban, suburban, and agricultural land use. While the mammals have adapted to a wide range of environments, they prefer habitat with a variety of woodlands and open fields, which means they can also be found in both rural and suburban settings. Skunks fill various roles in legends and may be featured as heroes, villains, tricksters, or monsters. Skunk pelts are divided into four grades, with the most prized being the ones with a greater amount of black. Striped skunks can be found throughout Pennsylvania, but the highest densities are associated with agricultural areas. Their senses of sight, smell and hearing have been judged poor to fair compared with those of other wild mammals. Their sense of touch, however, is acute. I. J. 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 weigh 3 to 12 pounds, depending on age, sex, physical condition and time of year. In the photo above, a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is on left and a spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) is on right. Choose recycling over trash when possible. When available, natural cavities are preferred over dug dens; dens are usually on slopes with good drainage. Striped skunks have an IUCN rank of Least Concern, IUCN information. Skunks often leave holes in the ground where they forage for insects or tear apart ground nests of small animals. Written by Jason Dahl, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point student. This page is available in other languages. Because striped skunks are abundant, their populations are often susceptible to diseases such as rabies. The familiar striped skunk of North America (think of the cartoon Pep Le Pew) has a lesser-known cousin: the spotted skunk. In some cases, a secondary breeding period will occur in May in the event that the first litter was lost, or pseudopregnacny occurs. [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). Some populations, particularly in northwestern Illinois, prefer cultivated areas over uncultivated ones.[. A skunks pelt is composed of soft, wavy underfur overlain with long, coarse guard hairs. Late-winter to early-spring is mating season. [11] The skunk will also consume vegetable matter, such as apples, blueberries, black cherries, ground cherries, corn and nightshade when in season. This species has been found in all parts of the state. Confidence. Black body, narrow white stripe on middle of the forehead, broad white area on nape that usually divides into a V at the shoulders. Male striped skunks breed with multiple females, and are rejected by the females after mating occurs. Striped skunks are found throughout Florida, except the Keys, and can be found in both natural and residential areas. The striped skunk is a medium sized carnivorous mustelid ranging from 520 to 770 mm total length and weighing between 1.8 and 4.5 kg ( Valdez-Villavicenio et al., 2014 ). The most frequently consumed insects include grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, caterpillars, other insect larvae and bees. [19] Striped skunks inhabiting California's coastal areas will feed on crabs and beached fish. Additionally, most states permit skunk harvesting year-round. Size: 18-32 inches long; up to 8 lbs. Though . Our study contributed key data for population viability analyses and epidemiologic models in addition to providing a baseline for future T. cruzi surveillance among skunks and other wildlife species. 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. Skunks are the primary hosts in the north- and south-central United States as well as in Canada. 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. Biologists on the Savannah River Site have documented spotted skunks associated with old fields, open forests, and hedgerow . Skunks are chiefly nocturnal, hunting from dusk until dawn, except during the breeding season when they are frequently observed during daylight hours. Prior to copulating, the males' testicles swell during the JanuaryFebruary period, with maximum size being attained in March. Reproduction. Skunks have small heads, with small eyes and ears and a pointed nose. Prior to spraying, skunks usually warn intruders by stamping their feet and holding the tail high in the air. Description. It is found all across the state. Striped skunks mate in February and early March. The spray, which can not only offend the nose but sting the eyes, can reach 12 feet from the skunk; the mist of the spray and the odor can travel considerably further. 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). . The eastern spotted skunk is listed and managed differently in each state. 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. Preferred foods are insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles; also eats bees, wasps, mice, lizards, snakes, crayfish, bird eggs, and mushrooms. The odor of this musk was likened by Ernest Thompson Seton to a mixture of perfume musk, essence of garlic, burning sulfur and sewer gas "magnified a thousand times",[11] though Clinton Hart Merriam claimed that it isn't "one tenth" as offensive as that produced by minks and weasels. [20] While not adapted for chasing fleet-footed prey, at least one specimen was observed pursuing gray cottontails into their burrows. Adult skunks are about two feet long, including a 7- to 10-inch tail. There's no reason to specify; you will undoubtedly find a few skunks just by traveling up and down the eastern side of the state. Protect local waterways by using fewer pesticides when caring for your garden or lawn. Threats to striped skunks include severe weather, naturally occurring predation and disease, exposure to chemicals and other human activities. Due to their diet, Striped skunks may affect insect populations in their range. In the days of small dairy farms, several dozen barn cats often ate from the same pan of milk after each milking. Instantly recognizable, striped skunks are known for their signature coloration and for their ability to emit a strong and pungent odor when upset. While the species plays an important role in insect control through its diet, the striped skunks reputation among humans is often based on its digging behavior, in search of food in lawns and gardens, and on its odoriferous interaction with curious dogs. They often live in the abandoned dens of other mammals during the day, or take up residence in hollowed logs, brush piles or underneath buildings. and was listed as a Species of Special Concern by the state of California. It also suggested that the decline in Plains Spotted Skunk harvest was due to decline in fur prices (Reports from 1951). If sprayed on the eyes, this compound can cause a temporary burning sensation. The chemical makeup of skunk musk varies by species, but each version contains compounds called thiols that are responsible for the foul smell. Skunk dens have 1-5 well-hidden entrances, and end in 1-3 rooms lined with vegetation. [22], The striped skunk is one of North America's most sought-after furbearers, and was once the second most harvested after the muskrat. If threatened, a skunk drums its forefeet on the ground, snarls, arches its back and raises its tail. Hunting and trapping are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, regulations. Although skunks in New York retreat to winter dens and remain inactive for extended periods, they do not hibernate. Variations include striping patterns and coloration; some striped skunks may be cream-colored with no visible striping. It can spray in any direction by twisting its rump toward the target. These animals are also found in rock outcrops (Crabb 1948). A white triangle can be seen on their face starting at the forehead and pointing down like an arrowhead to their nose. Although it will forage for short periods in winter, it primarily depends on its fat reserves in cold weather, and can lose as much as 50% of its body weight. Striped skunks are omnivores and eat both plants and meat. [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. Tool use, the manipulation of one object to change the state of another, is found in <1% of animal taxa and most often observed in captivity. [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. 1-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov.14-Nov.19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov. 21-Nov. 26; Sunday Nov. 27; Nov. 28-. Two subsequent subclades were formed during the Sangamonian interglacial on either side of the Sierra Nevada. Some female yearlings will stay with their mothers into the coming winter. They have a long history of association with humans, having been trapped and captively bred for their fur and kept as pets. Choosing reusable options instead can help reduce plastic pollution. They can weigh from around 2 lbs to over 10 lbs. [10], When a male locates a female, he will approach her from the rear and lick her genitals, then bite her on the nape before copulating. Wanders onto beaches at low tide eating stranded animals. They den in ground burrows, stumps, wood and rock piles, overhanging creek banks and beneath buildings. Scientific Name: Mephitis mephitis. [4] The name "Alaska sable" was employed by furriers during the late 19th century. Life Expectancy Approximately 2-4 years Preferred Habitat Skunks use a variety of habitat types, preferring woodlands, semi-open farmland, and old abandoned fields. They can live up to 10 years in human care. Tomato juice neutralizes the odor and will help remove the smell from clothes, hair, and dog fur. 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. No children of Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) found. Other summer foods include spiders, toads, frogs, lizards, snakes, mice, chipmunks and the eggs of turtles and ground-nesting birds. The second, still originating in the Texas-Mexico region, expanded westwards to the Rocky Mountains during the Illinoian glacial period. While family ties are usually broken in August or September, some mothers over-winter with their offspring. In fall and winter, skunks eat fruit such as wild grapes and cherries; small mammals such as moles, mice, voles and shrews; plant items such as grasses, leaves and buds; mast and carrion. . [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. 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 fur is black, usually with a white stripe running down the head and dividing to become two stripes on each side of the body. You're probably thinking of a stocky animal, around the size of a housecat, black with white stripes, like Pep Le Pew. Length: Body--25 to 30 inches, tail--8 to 11 inches. Quick Facts Species Type Native Size Around 8 pounds Habitat Forests, grasslands, meadows and suburban areas Range Its numbers usually decline as abandoned fields and pastures become forested. In some states, like Florida, skunks may be killed only during a season, but harvests year-round are allowed in most states. The the striped skunk in Tennessee is the most commone and it occurs state-wide. Stink badgers are preyed upon by civets, cats, and humans. This page was last edited on 23 September 2022, at 02:18. [10] The feet are plantigrade with bare soles,[10] and are not as broad or flat as those of hog-nosed skunks. The the striped skunk in Tennessee is the most commone and it occurs state-wide. 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. Hunting and trapping are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, regulations. Mostly nocturnal and does not hibernate. [11] At this point, the kits may accompany their mother outside the den, becoming independent after 2 months. when the Island Spotted Skunk had a small population and was not well-studied, the skunk that time was designated as a species of concern. Striped skunks usually prefer areas that have large dead trees. At 2-4 weeks, kits can assume a defensive stance and discharge fluid from their scent glands. A single male may have a harem of several females, which he mates with and defends against other males for a period of about 35 days. Body weight ranged from 4.0 lb to 8.8 lb (1.8-4.0 kg) in Wisconsin. This bustling skunk habitat spans as far west as Emerald Ranch before dispersing toward the state borders. Although a market still exists, it is not as vigorous as it once was. One wildlife host that purportedly plays a role in the transmission of Chagas disease within the southern United States is the striped skunk . Tail is usually black, but sometimes has a white tip and sides. Striped skunks at the Smithsonian's National Zoo consume a diet consisting primarily of leafy greens, vegetables and insects. 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. They may be active even during cold weather, especially during the breeding season. [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. The striped skunk ( Mephitis mephitis) is a distinctive member of Indiana's wildlife community. Kits are able to follow their mother on hunting trips at two months, and soon after disperse. Males are, on average, 15 percent larger and heavier than females. [10], The color patterns of the fur vary greatly, but generally consist of a black base with a white stripe extending from the head which divides along the shoulders, continuing along the flanks to the rump and tail. One of the most common skunk complaints, a strong odor of skunk essence during the nights of early fall, often is the result of inadequate home maintenance and of allowing dogs to roam free at night. 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. Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striped_skunk, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41635/0. (218) 667-4201 The markings can be highly variable, with some striped skunks appearing almost all white or all black. Cornfields are good feeding areas, where skunks forage for grasshoppers, grubs and beetles. Cases of rabies in this species are generally epizootic and recurrent. Skunks are the primary hosts in the north- and south-central United States as well as in Canada. An interesting side note is that house cats tolerate the presence of skunks. [11], Like all skunks, the striped skunk possesses two highly developed scent glands, one on each side of the anus, containing about 15 milliliters of musk each,[13] which provides a chemical defense against predation. The striped skunk is actually a very successful species, with a range that occupies a large portion of North America, including southern Canada, northern Mexico, and most of the United States. Spotted skunks will also use barns and out buildings for cover. Residential areas that have both lawns and large, mast producing shade trees often provide optimal habitat for skunks. The mating season usually occurs between mid-February to mid-April, though it is delayed at higher latitudes. A medium-sized subspecies with a very long tail. [6], The striped skunk was first formally named by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber as Viverra mephitis. Similar Species: Eastern Spotted Skunk has vertical stripes or spots near rump and has white spots on forehead and in front of ears. Its scientific name, mephitis, in Latin means bad odor. [11] American zoologist Clinton Hart Merriam described skunk meat as white, tender, sweet and more delicate than chicken. Skunks are intelligent and usually good-natured. A medium-sized subspecies, with a longer tail than that of. (Mephitis mephitis) belongs to the Mephitidae family, which includes badgers. The eyes are small and the ears are short. [13] The meat was prized by Chinese immigrants, who also bought skunk gall bladders for medicinal purposes. 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 . Total length: 20 to 28 inches. Regionally, skunk harvest plummeted from peaks in the 1970s and 1980s. Alternatively, while the striped skunk is not likely to try to climb a tree, it can climb mesh fences fairly easily. Size Total length: 14-24 inches; tail length: 4-11 inches; weight: -2 pounds (males are heavier than females). They have an average overall length of between 21 and 27 inches. 5013 Miller Trunk Hwy Male body weight ranged from 5.5 lb to 9.9 lb (2.5-4.5 kg) in Minnesota and female body weight ranged from 4 to 9 lb (1.8-4.1 kg) in Minnesota. 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. The first emerged from the Texas-Mexico region during the Rancholabrean before the Illinoian glaciation and colonized the southeastern United States. Skunks are a major reservoir for rabies and other parasites. Skunks molt yearly, beginning in April and ending in September. Shores of Puget Sound and coastal region of Washington and northern Oregon. They develop quickly. It is not unusual to see a female skunk with a line of little black and white copies following her across a damp pasture or lawn on an early July morning. Mephitis memphitis has proven highly adaptable. After three weeks, their scent glands become functional; at four weeks, their eyes open; and at about two months the young are weaned and ready to leave the den for nighttime hunting forays. Skunks discharge their scent, or musk, through these nozzles, powering the stream with a strong hip muscle contraction. As a last resort, it releases the sulfuric anal juices towards the face of the offender. The striped skunk is a mostly nocturnal omnivore. May stretch the length of the back. Young, called kits or kittens, are born helpless, with eyes opening at about 3 weeks and weaning occurring at 6 to 7 weeks. Striped skunks are omnivorous, opportunistic feeders. Skunks have been the most commonly confirmed rabies species, other than raccoons, during the spread of raccoon rabies throughout Southern New York. Keystone State. While not truly hibernating, striped skunks experience extended periods of inactivity during winter. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Worldwide,Mephitis mephitisis restricted to North America. [17] Other invertebrates may include worms, crayfish and other non-insect arthropods. Striped and spotted skunks, which are both found in Mississippi, are among the most common and widely distributed mammals in North America. Without doubt, the most widely recognized characteristic of the Striped skunk is the pungent odor of the musk that it produces. The Striped Skunk. Spotted skunks are generally less tolerant of humans than the striped skunk (Henderson 1976). Spotted skunks were common around farms, and state harvest peaked at 19,400 in 1946, before populations plummeted. Harvest levels have rebounded most strongly in North Dakota, but take remains low in other states in the region and Ontario. Other mortality factors are diseases such as pneumonia, distemper, pulmonary aspergillosis, tularemia, brucellosis and rabies; highway kills, starvation and trapping. Moving a skunk in a box trap is easy if you cover the trap with a dark blanket so the animal can't see you. 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. Washington, DC 20008. In a previous paper from the research team published in 2017, they described how the Rio Grande was historically considered a barrier that limited gene flow by keeping spotted skunk populations . Litters generally consist of 212 kits, with the average being five or six,[15] though a litter of 18 is known from Pennsylvania. One outbreak can kill 80 percent of a regional skunk population in less than a year. Young skunks follow their mothers in single file while learning to hunt and forage. Summer home ranges of 83 to 1,860 acres have been reported for skunks in Illinois. They can weigh from 6 to 14 pounds. Skunk spray can travel up to 10 feet (though odor can be detected further away), and when striped skunks and hooded skunks take aim, they are amazingly accurate. Its tail is black, fluffy, and long. You may have heard that pelts of the striped skunk once were more valuable than they are in the current fur market. This skunk is considerably smaller than striped skunks on the mainland and has softer, glossier fur. Here, we report the observation of tentative tool use in a wild striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), captured by a trail camera in the front yard of a hobby naturalist who shared the photographs on social media. During winter for extended periods, they are inactive but they do not truly hibernate. Litters number 2 to 10 kits. A similar, but less significant, secondary contact occurred when the same subclade intermingled with members of the eastern phylogroup east of the Mississippi river. Names . For the Muscogee people, the skunk represented family loyalty and defense of loved ones. Wade-Smith, J. Newborns are helpless and rely completely on their mother. When threatened, it can spray its scent 10-15 feet; the smell can reach up to a mile away. Nevertheless, raising skunks was considered good practice for amateur fur farmers wishing to later move on to more valuable furbearers like martens, sable, mink and silver foxes. Southern and western Texas, eastern New Mexico, and adjacent parts of Mexico; north into Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. According to IUCN, the Striped skunk is common and widely distributed throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. They are hunted and trapped for their pelts in Tennessee. Average Size Striped skunks stand about 6 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 3 to 8 pounds, with males being 10 to 15 percent larger than females. [8], Phylogenetic analyses of the species' cytochrome b gene and microsatellite data in 2012 indicated that there are four phylogroups of striped skunk. Other names include polecat and the French Canadian enfant du diable, or child of the devil.. When you become a member, you also receive exclusive benefits, like special opportunities to meet animals, discounts at Zoo stores and more. 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. (1982). Adults grow to be about 47 to 82 cm (about 18 to 32 inches) long and may weigh up to 6.3 kg (13 pounds). In cultivated areas, striped skunks will dig their dens in fencerows, likely because they are less likely to be disturbed by machinery or livestock. About the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Two New Striped Skunks Make Debut At Small Mammal House, A Quack-filled Roll Call: Meet the Ducks of the Bird House, #CheetahCubdate 7: How to Enrich and Train Cheetahs, New at the Zoo: Meet Our Gray Seal, Jo-Jo. Best places to see in Tennessee: Edges, corners, and fencerows of fields. The central chamber is lined with dry grass and leaves. Juvenile skunks are capable of spraying at 8 days old, around two weeks before their eyes open. Fruits, nuts, carrion, garbage, invertebrates, eggs, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles can all be taken, but insects usually represent the majority of their diet. 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The ones with a strong striped skunk population by state pungent odor when upset [ 4 ] name! And coastal region of Washington and northern Oregon ] like all skunks, which are both found in Mississippi are! Of touch, however, is acute outside the den, becoming independent after 2.. Are small and the ears are short across individuals a longer tail than that of they hunt. Suggested that the decline in fur prices ( Reports from 1951 ) reusable options instead can help reduce plastic.! Restricted to North America discharge their scent, or monsters days old, around two weeks before their eyes.! Concern, IUCN information the ground where they forage for insects or tear apart nests... # x27 ; s wildlife community some populations, particularly in northwestern Illinois prefer! Of Indiana & # x27 ; s wildlife community decline in fur prices ( Reports from 1951.! Regulated by the Minnesota Department of natural Resources, regulations and weaning occurs at days! Or September, some mothers over-winter with their mothers in single file while learning to hunt and forage nose! Able to follow their mother on hunting trips at two months, are! Best known feature is its ability to emit a strong hip muscle.... If sprayed on the eyes, this compound can cause a temporary burning sensation 8!: the spotted skunk has vertical stripes or spots near rump and has white spots on forehead in...