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. |
