This mostly nocturnal and solitary animal has a highly variable
diet. The skunk hunts by scent. Insects make up 70% of its diet,
small rodents, rabbits, birds and eggs, carrion, fruit and vegetables
making up the remaining 30%.
The striped skunk prefers areas of mixed woods, grasslands and open
prairies. It is usually found close to water. The skunk is also
commonly found in mixed agricultural and tree cleared areas. They
thrive in the suburban landscape. |
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The striped skunk has few natural predators, thanks to its noxious
vapour. Their main predator is the great-horned owl. These birds of
prey are indifferent to the effects of the spray. The most common cause
of mortality in the skunk population is disease. They are susceptible
to pneumonia, distemper, and are one of the most common vectors of
rabies, which is not transmitted through their spray. This
solitary animal will breed in February-March and has a littler of 1-10
kits (usually 4-6). These kits are born 59-77 days later. This
variation is due to the ability to delay the implantation of the egg. The kits are weaned at 2 months, and their colour patterns are
recognizable from birth. Their firing capacity begins as early as 8
days old, but they are unable to aim until their eyes open at
approximately 24 days old. The overwintering mortality rate of the
young is as high as 90%, although the survivors are capable of mating
at 10 months. |
