Things That Skunks Do

When people think of skunks, the first thing that comes to mind is their ability to cause that infamous foul odor. But even though they don't have the best reputation, skunks are beneficial to humans because they feed on many critters that are considered pests. There are four species of skunks, and they are one of the most widely distributed mammals in North America.

  1. Behavior

    • Humans more often smell skunks than actually see them. The pungent smell comes from two glands on the sides of their tails and is used as a defensive tactic against predators. When threatened, a skunk will turn its backside toward the danger and release the intensely strong-smelling spray, which can reach up to 15 feet. Although the oily liquid is harmless, it is quite a successful deterrent, keeping most predators away.

      Skunks are nocturnal, searching for food during the night and sleeping during the day. They don't have very good hearing or a sense of smell. They live solitary lives, with the exception of mating and a mother with kits. Babies are born in late spring and stay in the nest until they are about two months old, when they begin foraging for food with their mom. The kits become independent with the arrival of the fall season. Skunks have an average lifespan of about three years.

    Range and Habitat

    • Skunks have a range that stretches throughout the Americas. Recently, the Asian stink badger was added to the family of skunks. They like to make their homes in open grasslands near wooded areas and a water source. Most of the time a skunk will take up residence in a burrow that has already been constructed by another animal, but they'll also find shelter in a hollow log or inside an unoccupied building. During the coldest part of the winter, skunks that live in especially chilly regions will sleep for many weeks in their dens. The size of their territory will usually range between one-half and 1.5 square miles.

    Diet

    • Skunks have an extensive menu, eating whenever the opportunity arises. They will eat a variety of plants and vegetation, fruit, bugs, worms, small mammals, lizards and eggs.

    Description

    • All species of skunks have black and white coats, but their markings can come in various patterns, from stripes to spots to swirls. From the top of their head to the base of their tail, skunks are 8 to 19 inches tall, with tails that can be anywhere from 5 to 15 inches long. They can weigh between 7 oz. and 14 lb. They have short, stubby legs.