Mephitis mephitis

Origin: North-South America

Lifespan: 2-4 years

Size: Stripedskunk are mid-sized skunks 

Skunks can weigh as little as 1 lb (Spotted Skunk) and as large as 18lbs (Hognosed Skunk).

Diet: Omnivore

Insects, larvae, earthworms, grubs, rodents, lizards, salamander, frogs, snakes, birds, moles, eggs, berries, roots, leaves, grasses, fungi, and nuts

Activity: Nocturnal

Reproduction: Breeding season is April through early June

They are solitary except during breeding season, the male does not assist with raising young

Gestation is about 66days

Average litter size is 1-7 young

skunks spray even before their eyes are open

All skunks are striped from birth, which can vary in size and color and quantity.

Extra Facts:

• There are four species of skunk, striped skunk, eastern spotted skunk, hooded skunk, and hognose skunk

• Skunk are not true hibernators, they will come out of their dormant sleep rarely to feed

• Though they are solitary, they may communal dens during winter to keep warm

• They usually spray as a last resort self-defense. their glands hold up to five or six uses, which is 15cc and requires 10 days to make a new supply

• A skunk can spray up to 10 ft

• immune to snake venom and have been known to eat venomous snakes

• main predators are the great horned owl because they don't have a sense of smell