Scientific name: Mephitis Mephitis
Class: Mammalia
Family: Mephitidae
Order: Carnivora
Life span:
Skunks generally live about 3 years in the wild.
In captivity, their life expectancy can be up to 15 years.
Reproduction
Every spring, love is in the air for skunks! After a romantic mating period at the end of February and March, momma skunk gives birth to up to six tiny bundles of joy. The adorable little ones make their grand entrance between 42-63 days later into our wild world.
Diet
When night falls, skunks prowl the landscape in search of an eclectic dinner. From bugs to berries and everything in between – if it fits their appetite they’ll gobble it up:
- Rodents;
- Honey;
- Eggs;
- Charms;
- Insects;
- Berries;
- Household waste.
Habitat
Skunks can be seen in almost any corner of North America, from Canada’s cold north all the way to Mexico’s warm south. They have adapted well and use their cunning nature to make themselves at home among wooded forests, cultivated fields or even bustling cities.
Why do skunks stink?
Skunks have an impressive defense strategy! When feeling threatened, they first attempt to send a warning signal by raising their tail and stomping the ground. If this doesn’t deter the predator, skunks deploy their ultimate weapon – up to five spurts of potent liquid secreted from glands near its anus that can reach distances as far away as 6 meters.
When do skunks hibernate?
Despite the harsh winter weather, skunks persevere! They cleverly adapt by slowing down their metabolism to remain active throughout chilly months.
Can baby skunks also spray their enemies?
At around 6-7 weeks old, baby skunks can finally protect themselves from predators with their signature “defensive spray,” making them one of nature’s most interesting and unique creatures.
Do skunks come out during the day?
Although they may be solitary creatures, skunks come alive at dusk when their day is just beginning.
How do you remove the smell of skunk if you get watered?
In 1993, a chemist made an incredible discovery – the best way to effectively remove bad odors. Surprisingly enough, it wasn’t something fancy or newfangled; just some simple tomato juice! Despite its humble origins, he decided that sharing his findings with everyone was more important than making money off of them and chose not to patent this ‘miracle’ recipe:
- 30 mL dishwashing liquid
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 L of hydrogen peroxide 3%.