The Striped Skunk, Mephitis mephitis, is an omnivorous mammal of the skunk family Mephitidae. Found over most of the North American continent north of Mexico, it is one of the best-known mammals in Canada and the United States. The Striped Skunk has a black body with a white stripe along each side of its body; the two stripes join into a broader white area at the nape. Its forehead has a narrow white stripe. The presence of a Striped Skunk is often first made apparent by its odor. It has well-developed anal scent glands (characteristic of all skunks) that can emit a highly unpleasant odor when the skunk feels threatened by another animal.
Ten Facts about Striped Skunk
- About the size of a house cat, it weighs 2.5 to 14 pounds (1.2-6.3 kg) (Note that the average weight is 6-8 pounds (2.73kg-3.64 kg)) with a body length (excluding the tail) of 13 to 18 inches (33-46 cm). The bushy tail is 7 to 10 inches long (18-25 cm), and sometimes has a white tip.
- In February or March, mating occurs, and by early May, after a 42- to 63-day gestation, a litter of about five or six young is born.
- The young are born blind, and follow their mother until late June or July.
- The Striped Skunk can be kept as a pet in the United States (not all states), Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and the United Kingdom.
- The skunk has musk glands and can shoot a liquid that has an awful odor. First, it gives a warning when something approaches. It stiffens its legs, stamps the ground with its feet, snaps its teeth, and its hairs stand up.
- The spray can go as far as four meters.
- When a badger, coyote, bobcat, fox, eagle or large owl is hungry enough, it will attack the skunk.
- A young skunk makes a good pet if the musk glands are removed.
- The skunk makes enough liquid for five sprays a week.
- The skunk has strong front legs and sharp claws that are good for digging a den.
