about skunks
(Statistics are those of the common striped skunk)
Size: 13-18 in long, 7-10 in tall.
Weight: 2-10 lbs
Range: United states and southern Canada
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Sexual maturity age: 11 months
Mating season: February and March
Gestation: 59-77 days
Young per litter: Usu. 5-8
During the breeding season, males may roam wildly in search of a mate. They are known to be highly exciteable at this time, often spraying large animals without provocation.
Skunk kits are born blind and furless, and suckle for six to eight weeks until they are ready to hunt on their own. Young often stay with their mother up to the next mating season.
Skunks are nocturnal, spending the day sleeping in small groups either in burrows which they dig themselves or in whatever convenient shelter is available, sometimes sharing a den with other small animals such as foxes or raccoons.
Like nearly all mustelids, skunks are ferocious fighters, and are not known to back down from a confrontation. However, they normally rely on their foul-smelling fluid as a means of defense.
Skunks are largely insectivorous, living on crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, worms and grubs, though they also enjoy fruits, nuts, eggs, and the occasional small mammal.Breeding
Behaviour
Diet