Striped Skunk

Mephitis mephitis

Animal Class: Mammal

Length: 20-30 inches

Weight: 4-10 pounds

Lifespan: 2-3 years in the wild; 15 or more in human care.

Diet: Primarily insectivore, but will also eat vegetation and other small animals.

Habitat: Adaptable to many habitats across the United States and Canada.

Description: Striped skunks are easily recognized by their black fur and white stripes, and their stripes serve as a warning to other animals. Skunks use their musk-filled scent glands to spray would-be predators, and the spray has a range of several yards. Because this defense is so effective, skunks have few natural predators.

Skunks pair up to mate, although one male may pair up with several females. Kits are born without the ability to spray musk.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Our Animals: Thistle and Sassafras