Mephitis mephitis
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Mammalia |
| Order: Carnivora |
| Family: Mephitidae |
| Genus: Mephitis |
| Species: Mephitis |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Striped skunks have a distinct black coat with two white stripes running from the back of the head down through the tail. They are between 12-18" in length. Their hind tracks are 1 1/2" and front tracks are 1". They live in dens from 5-6" wide.
Habitat & Range
Striped skunks are found in a variety of habitats including woods, prairie, and other open areas. They are common throughout the United States, Northern Mexico, and Southern Canada.
Behavior
Skunks are nocturnal, foraging for food at night. Often they will dig small holes in the ground to look for grubs and other insects. They will also eat a variety of plant material, smaller animals, and eggs when available.
Life Cycle
Striped skunks are solitary. They mate between February and April, and give birth in late spring to early summer. Females give birth to one litter a year, and the young leave their mother when they are 2.5 months old. In the wild the upper age range of their lifespan is 6 years.
Featured image by Eric Schmuttenmaer.