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Facts about skunks

I've collected various facts about skunks.

Skunk species

Genus Mephitis

The most common species of skunks; which includes the well known Striped Skunk.

Genus Conepatus

The species of skunks that includes the Hog-Nosed Skunk.

Genus Spilogale

The species of skunks that includes the Spotted Skunk.

Common attributes

Order ...

Carnivora

Family ...

Mephitidae (formerly Mustelidae, but reclassified in 1996)

Length ...

Overall length ranges from 40cm (16in) to 68cm (27in)

Weight ...

From 0.5kg (1.1 lb) to 3kg (6.6 lb).

Longevity ...

At least 7 years (8-10 years in captivity).

Rabies concern ...

Skunks are the chief carrier of rabies. Skunk spray is not known to carry rabies virus.

The nose knows ...

Skunks are best known for their odorous defense. They are able to expel a fine spray of foul-smelling musk. The skunk's scent glands are mature at less than one month of age.

Warnings ...

Most species of skunk forewarn predators by stamping their front feet, raising their tail and walking stiff-legged. Spotted skunks will occasionally bluff by handstanding without spraying. If that fails, they will drop onto all fours and spray. The spray is aimed at the face and causes intense irritation, even temporary blindness, if it reaches the eyes.

Do owls have a nose? ...

Most animals avoid skunks. However, a notable exception is the Great horned owl, which does not appear to be deterred by skunk spray while foraging at night.

Not all skunks are black and white ...

There can be considerable variation in coat pattern even within species: for example in the Hooded skunk the white-backed form has two bands of white on its back narrowly separated by a black line, whereas in the blackbacked form the white stripes are widely separated and are situated on the sides of the animal. The fur color is not always black; it can be various shades of brown, as well.

A safe distance ...

Skunks can spray up to 4-7m (13-23 ft) in a favorable wind-although they are usually only accurate for up to about 2m (6.5ft).

What smell? ...

Normally skunks and skunk dens do not smell "skunky." During aggressive encounters between skunks, however, they will spray one another.

Meals ...

All skunks are largely carnivorous, with insects and small mammals as major prey, but they also eat grubs, birds' eggs and fruit seasonally.

Habitats ...

They are found in a wide variety of habitats, and are common in many urban areas, but prefer open or forest edge areas, where they forage at night, using their long front claws for rooting out food.

Managing winter ...

Inactive denning periods (not true hibernation) occur during the winter months if weather conditions are severe. In some areas several species occur together, but each uses different portions of the area more effectively than the others.

Activity ...

Except for Spotted skunks, which are mainly active at twilight, skunks are chiefly nocturnal. For example, stripped skunks, normally forage only at dusk, dawn and during the night, ambling in search of prey at a leisurely pace and avoiding contact with people and domestic animals.

Get along with others ...

Skunks coexist with foxes, raccoons and coyotes, groups of skunks often using the same burrows as these species, but at different times of the year.

Territory ...

Females occupy home ranges of 1-2sq km (0.4-0.8sq mi), each overlapping at least partially with other females. The territory of one male will encompass those of several females, but rarely that of other males.

Family life ...

Males have no role in raising young. In fact, aggressive behavior by adult males toward females and their young can result in deaths.

References

MacDonald, David (editor); The Encyclopedia of Mammals; Andromeda Oxford; 1995 (ISBN 1-871869-62-5).

Unless otherwise credited, the photos are from the royalty free Kodak PhotoCD purchased from Corel Corp. Fox photos from "Foxes & Coyotes" CD, 1993. Skunk photos from "Backyard Wildlife" CD, 1993.