Characteristics of a Skunk

Predator Deterrent

• When threatened, skunks release an oily spray from a gland underneath their tails. This spray smells horrible and, according to the National Geographic website, causes little damage but can travel up to 10 feet. The smell of this spray lingers and can cause significant discomfort to the animal or human who has come in contact with it.

Appearance

• While there are many breeds of skunk, such as striped, hooded and spotted skunks, they all share similar characteristics in appearance. The National Geographic website states that while these breeds of skunk vary in terms of the appearance of their fur, such as spotted and striped, each are black and white in color. This coloring makes skunks highly recognizable to both humans and predators.

Diet

• Skunks are opportunistic eaters that enjoy omnivorous diets. Alongside plants and fruits, these nocturnal mammals will also eat insects, eggs, worms and larvae, as well as fish, small mammals (such as rodents) and reptiles. Skunks eat to retain body fat in the summer and fall months, which they then rely on during the winter.

Nesting

• While skunks typically choose to nest in burrows that have been created by other animals, they will also live in natural burrows such as hollow logs. These animals prefer dark spaces, which often leads them to nest in human-built areas such as underneath porches and in abandoned buildings.

Breeding

• The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation states that while adult skunks breed in late February, female skunks that were born in the preceding year mate instead in late March. Gestation lasts up to 10 weeks, with female skunks having, typically, one litter of between four and six young per year. Young are born in May and June, and remain with their mothers until fall arrives.