Recognized by almost everyone by sight or smell, the skunk is not usually a welcome presence.
The skunk lives in a variety of habitats ranging from the forest to the city. Farmlands are one of its favorite places because of the proximity of food and den sites.
Being an omnivore, the skunk has a varied diet. Small mammals (mice, voles, rabbits, etc.), birds and their eggs(including poultry), frogs, snakes, carrion, fruit, nuts, berries and grapes, spiders and other insects. They are quite found of grubs and flower bulbs and can make quite a mess of a well-manicured lawn. They are also quite fond of bees and wasps and do not show much affect from being stung.
Like raccoons, skunks have a communal winter den and are not true hibernators, coming out during warm spells in the winter. They also remodel dens leftover from foxes, groundhogs, etc. prefering a sunny slope.There may be more then one entrance to the den which also may have tunnels anywhere from 6 - 20 feet long which leads to a nesting chamber that may be 3 -4 feet underground. After a 63 day gestation period, the young are born in April or May and usually leave the mother by summer.
The skunk is a very timid creature and usually sprays only when it is scared and cannot get away. Most skunks can be approached if one is quiet and does not make any sudden moves. Even if the tail goes up
The skunk does not have many predators though hungry canines and domestic dogs will kill them. Owls will also take them. Diseases include canine distemper and mange. They are also one of the highest carriers of rabies.
Suggested trap sizes: 1 long spring - 1 ½ coilsping
Suggested sets: Dirt hole,cubby set.