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The Skunk

The skunk is one of the most recognized mammals in North America due to its unusual use of extremely well developed scent glands as a primary defense mechanism; it also is one of the most maligned. Odor is not always a reliable indicator of the presence, or absence of skunks. Sometimes dogs, cats, or other animals that have been sprayed by skunks move under houses and make owners mistakenly think skunks are present.

Before a skunk will spray he will go through a series of threat behaviors. Striped and hooded skunks each will stomp with both front feet. Sometimes they will charge forward a few paces and then stomp, or will edge backwards while dragging their front feet. Hog-nosed skunks use a similar tactic, except they will stand up on their hind feet and slam their front feet to the ground while letting out a loud hissing noise. The acrobats, spotted skunks, perform a front handstand and approach a potential predator, appearing much larger than they really are.

At one time skunk pelts (especially striped) were valuable in the fur industry, but they are less valuable today. Then and now skunks are more valuable alive. Most members of the skunk family prey primarily on insects, especially insects harmful to the agricultural economy. The earliest legislation for the protection of skunks grew out of appeals from hop growers in New York and was passed in 1893.

Skunks are especially useful in destroying the rats and mice that commonly infest farm buildings. Spotted skunks are remarkably efficient as destroyers of rats and mice because they are quick and can follow rats and mice into smaller crannies than other skunks can enter.

Striped skunks have been tamed and kept as pets. However, skunks do not make good pets. Unfortunately, skunks are known to carry diseases as well. They are susceptible to rabies and there are at least two rabies variants that are endemic to skunk populations. They also can contract and transmit other strains (raccoon, bat, etc.). Like all mammals they have to be exposed to the virus before they can transmit it. Once the symptoms appear they will die.

Great horned owls, eagles, crows, vultures, coyotes, foxes, dogs, bobcats, mountain lions, American badgers, and humans are a few of the vertebrates that have been reported to kill and eat skunks, but a major cause of mortality for skunks is automobiles. Skunks also will succumb to parasites and diseases.

Skunks usually have from 2 to 12 offspring (striped skunks are the more prolific). Kits are born around the end of April through early June, possibly earlier for stink badgers. Breeding usually occurs in February and March. Striped skunks may have a short period of delayed implantation if they breed early.

Conservation: Striped skunks are not protected by law in most states, but the spotted skunk is fully protected in some. Legal status and licensing requirements vary. Check with state wildlife officials before removing any skunks. Skunks should not be needlessly destroyed. They are highly beneficial to farmers, gardeners and landowners because they feed on large numbers of agricultural and garden pests. Occasionally they eat moles, which cause damage to lawns, or insects such as white grubs, cutworms, potato beetle grubs, and other species that damage lawns, crops, or hay. Skunk handling and control should be left up to professionals like the Certified Wildlife Specialists at Critter Control.

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