Skunks
Info
The striped skunk occupies a variety of habitats, including fields, woodlands and urban locations. In urban and suburban locations they are quite at home under porches, decks, and sheds. The skunk may excavate its own burrow, which can be six to twenty feet long and below ground three to four feet, ending in round chambers lined with leaves and grass. More often a skunk will take over the burrows of woodchucks or foxes. Skunks are normally nocturnal. They spend the day sleeping in dark locations such as burrows or under porches etc. and exit in the evening to search for food. Their presence usually becomes apparent only when the odor from their scent glands permeates the air after being released at real or imagined danger. Skunks spray as a last resort and would prefer just to walk away from danger. The skunk gives a warning that it is about to spray by arching its back, raising its tail high in the air, turning its back toward the enemy, and stomping its front feet. They are omnivores, with small rodents, insects, and seasonal fruits making up most of their diet. They eat the eggs and young of ground-nesting birds and regularly dig up turtle eggs and the nest of yellow-jacket wasps. A favorite insect food is the grubs of Japanese beetle and June beetles, which feed on the roots of lawn grasses. Skunks are also fond of garbage and pet food set outside.
Reproduction and Life Span
Skunks are polygamous, meaning they mate more than one member of the opposite sex. In the northeast, the breeding season begins in February and lasts through March. After mating, the male leaves the female and takes no part in the raising the young. Four to eight young are born between late April and early June after a gestation period of 62 to 68 days. The young are born helpless, blind, and hairless, although the striped pattern is distinguishable on their bodies. Their eyes open at about 22 days and at six to eight weeks weaning begins and the young forage for food with the mother.
