How to Mate a Skunk

Very little is known about the mating habits of skunks. Breeding skunks in captivity in the United States is illegal, with the exception of a very few breeders who are licensed by the government and they are mainly licensed for breeding only for the fur trade. Most states have outlawed the keeping of skunks as pets. For this reason, captive breeding is outlawed, except for those with licenses.

Things You'll Need

  • Male Skunk
  • Several female skunks
  • Den
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the appropriate breeding season for the species of skunk you wish to breed. This season will vary based on geographical location. As a general rule, breeding usually happens in early spring

    • 2

      Choose a location that has room for your female(s) to dig a den for herself and her young. Place the female in the area and give her time to prepare her den before introducing the male

    • 3

      Place one male skunk in an area with several females. Male skunks are polygynous. This means that the male takes more than one female mate; his is often referred to as a harem. Multiple females will live in a den with one male.

    • 4

      This is where the mating ritual is vague. What is known is that after the female has been impregnated, she will, most often, run off the male. So, the thing to do now is wait. You will know when the female has mated with the male because she will no longer allow him near the den.

    • 5

      Be patient and keep an eye on your female. All female skunks have placental pregnancies. Skunks are capable of delayed implantation. This means that they can mate and the egg can be fertilized, but the implantation into the uterus may not happen for up to six months. For this reason it is important to note that although the female skunk may not appear to be impregnated, she may just have a delayed gestation period.

    • 6

      The female skunk will normally have between four and seven kits within 60 to 90 days after implantation.

    • 7

      You can begin the process again when the kits are one years old. At this age, they will be sexually mature.