Animal Field Guide

Striped Skunk

Mephitis mephitis
(Mephitidae)

Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S5

Agency Status
USFWS:
USFS: none
BLM: none

About the size of a house cat. Well-developed scent glands that emit a very strong odor. Often the presence of a skunk is first detected by its odor. Black body, narrow white stripe on middle of the forehead, broad white area on nape that usually divides into a V at the shoulders. Great variation in color pattern and size of stripes. Total length: 20 to 28 inches. Weight: six to 14 pounds. Mostly nocturnal and does not hibernate. Uses ground burrows, abandoned building foundations, and wood or rock piles as den sites. Will use dens created by other animals. When frightened or threatened, sprays a strong and long-lasting musk produced by anal scent glands.

A few specimens of the spotted skunk have been captured in montana. the spotted skunk has a black spot on forehead, one under each ear, and four broken white strips along neck, back, and sides.

Large numbers of pelts taken in some areas, but value relatively low (pelt yielded average of about $1.60 in Ok in early 1980s (Caire et al. 1989). Can do considerable damage to poultry. Major carrier and reservoir of rabies (though most skunks are not rabid).

Non-migratory.

Lives in a variety of habitats including semi-open country, mixed woods, brushland, and open prairie. Most abundant in agricultural areas where there is ample food and cover. Usually absent where water table is too high for making ground dens. Forest edges, open woodland, brushy grassland, riparian vegetation, cultivated lands (Hoffmann and Pattie 1968).

Omnivorous, eating more animal than plant matter. Propor- tional composition of diet varies. Small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, berries, fruit, garbage, cariion, bird eggs, & arthropods (Jones 1983).

Adults are solitary except during breeding season, and in communal winter dens. Can carry a heavy parasite load, sometimes rabies (Jones 1983).

Mating occurs during February and April; 59 to 77 days gestation; may exhibit delayed implantation; young born during May or June; five to six young is the usual litter size.