striped skunk population by state

Many a farmer arrived to pour the dregs of the milk strainer into the cat dish and found that one of the cats had a broad tail and a characteristic white "V" across its back. They are quite at home in a variety of landscapes, from wooded areas to grasslands and agriculture fields, and even in urban areas, among humans. The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis ) is a skunk of the genus Mephitis that occurs across much of North America, including southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. Skunks are known to everyone by sight, smell, and reputation. [10], The color patterns of the fur vary greatly, but generally consist of a black base with a white stripe extending from the head which divides along the shoulders, continuing along the flanks to the rump and tail. Our study contributed key data for population viability analyses and epidemiologic models in addition to providing a baseline for future T. cruzi surveillance among skunks and other wildlife species. Stink badgers are preyed upon by civets, cats, and humans. I. J. Spotted skunks are more carnivorous than striped skunks, primarily feeding on small mammals, insects, eggs, and even carrion. It is also seenor its musky odor noticedin some suburban and urban locations, particularly near sources of open water. Tail length averaged 8.7 (221 mm), ranging from 6.3 to 11.4 (159-290 mm) in the Eastern United States, and ranged from 7.9 to 11.0 (200-280 mm) in Wisconsin. The average lifespan of striped skunks in the wild is 7 years. Other summer foods include spiders, toads, frogs, lizards, snakes, mice, chipmunks and the eggs of turtles and ground-nesting birds. A skunks smelly spray can reach up to ten feet, and be detected for up to 2.4 km (1.5 mi). Likewise for a homeowner or nuisance wildlife control agent who finds a skunk in the box trap set in the backyard. Striped skunks live throughout North America from southern Canada into northern Mexico. Striped skunks are typically found at elevations below 5,900 feet (1,800 meters). A skunk is colored black and white. There is Scientific Name: Mephitis mephitis. Females give birth in May, often in woodchuck burrows, to an average litter of six. A study released in 2013 included a video of a Western spotted skunk handstanding and facing off with a mountain lion over a deer carcass. A similar, but less significant, secondary contact occurred when the same subclade intermingled with members of the eastern phylogroup east of the Mississippi river. Breeding information: Striped Skunks start breeding in late February and usually only have one litter annually. [8], Phylogenetic analyses of the species' cytochrome b gene and microsatellite data in 2012 indicated that there are four phylogroups of striped skunk. Skunks can spray up to 15 feet, but the smell can carry up to a mile. Females usually lose 10 to 30 percent of their body weight by spring; males lose only about 10 percent, as they are more inclined to leave their dens and feed during mild spells. Kits are able to follow their mother on hunting trips at two months, and soon after disperse. The tail is bushy and black and usually has a white tip. The striped skunk is one of the major carriers of the rabies virus, second only to raccoons in the US where skunks are 25% of annual cases. Threats to striped skunks include severe weather, naturally occurring predation and disease, exposure to chemicals and other human activities. There is a high mortality rate among skunks; many do not survive beyond their first year. Striped skunks are typically docile mammals that tolerate humans in close proximity without showing aggression. However, roadside and lawn mowing, or any maintenance practice which prevents the development of a forest canopy, favors the continued existence of skunks. [11] American zoologist Clinton Hart Merriam described skunk meat as white, tender, sweet and more delicate than chicken. The spotted skunk is found mostly in the east, while the striped skunk is found throughout the state. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [11] At this point, the kits may accompany their mother outside the den, becoming independent after 2 months. Striped skunks reach reproductive maturity when they are 10 months old. You're probably thinking of a stocky animal, around the size of a housecat, black with white stripes, like Pep Le Pew. Fun Facts: Average Size Striped skunks stand about 6 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 3 to 8 pounds, with males being 10 to 15 percent larger than females. [13] It can be sprayed at a distance of several meters. The striped skunk is a medium sized carnivorous mustelid ranging from 520 to 770 mm total length and weighing between 1.8 and 4.5 kg ( Valdez-Villavicenio et al., 2014 ). SmithsoniansNationalZoo& ConservationBiologyInstitute The bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semi-desert, urban edge, forest edges and swampland environments. The Spotted Skunk population also appears to have reached a plateau. The central chamber is lined with dry grass and leaves. Residential areas that have both lawns and large, mast producing shade trees often provide optimal habitat for skunks. Late-winter to early-spring is mating season. Color: Black with two white stripes on its back and tail. What they eat depends on where they live and what is available. Males are, on average, 15 percent larger and heavier than females. After 60 days gestation, she bears 2 to 10 young (usually 5 to 7). The striped skunk (or Mephitis mephitis) is a small mammal found throughout North America, including southern Canada, the US and northern Mexico. [4] Skunks are notable for being easy to trap, even approaching traps they had been previously caught in. Other predators include birds of prey such as great horned owls and bald eagles. Skunks have been the most commonly confirmed rabies species, other than raccoons, during the spread of raccoon rabies throughout Southern New York. Striped skunks live throughout North America from southern Canada into northern Mexico. Florida to North Carolina, and in the mountains to West Virginia; west on the Gulf coast to the Mississippi River. The blind newborns are furless, but have the black and white color pattern on their skin. Below, we have summarized the various classifications, monitoring, research, and contact information for each state alphabetically. A white triangle can be seen on their face starting at the forehead and pointing down like an arrowhead to their nose. The spotted skunk is able to use its strong feet and claws to climb trees. Skunks live in a variety of habitats. The fur is black, usually with a white stripe running down the head and dividing to become two stripes on each side of the body. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. Worldwide,Mephitis mephitisis restricted to North America. West side of Mississippi Valley from southern Louisiana to Missouri; westward along the coast of Texas to Matagorda Island; and up the Red River Valley as far at least as Wichita Falls. Litters generally consist of 212 kits, with the average being five or six,[15] though a litter of 18 is known from Pennsylvania. Young, called kits or kittens, are born helpless, with eyes opening at about 3 weeks and weaning occurring at 6 to 7 weeks. The Striped skunk is similar in size to a normal house cat with a stout body, short legs, small head and a bushy tail. Their senses of sight, smell and hearing have been judged poor to fair compared with those of other wild mammals. They prefer underground dens in colder winter climates. The striped skunk Female striped skunks typically give birth once each year, with breeding occurring between February and April. The striped skunk is a mostly nocturnal omnivore. They also can get and spread rabies and other wildlife diseases. Large, bushy black and white tail. Now more than ever, we need your support. Female Striped Skunks give birth to six to eight babies once a year only during the month of May or June. These animals are also found in rock outcrops (Crabb 1948). Striped Skunk. A muscle-encapsulated gland positioned under the tail produces a liquid that can be expelled. They occasionally receive mice, eggs, nuts and select fruits as well. The gestation period lasts 62-66 days, but sometimes up to 75 days. Damaged building foundations and spaces underneath porches serve this purpose well. Picture a skunk. Barton, H. D., and S. M. Wisely. The eastern spotted skunk, also known as the civet cat, reaches its northernmost limit in the northcentral United States. The white markings are usually very broad. Skunks are host to fleas, lice, mites, ticks and various internal parasites. While not truly hibernating, striped skunks experience extended periods of inactivity during winter. Entirely white skunks, or skunks with the black replaced by seal brown or the white replaced by yellow are also know to occur. Confident. and was listed as a Species of Special Concern by the state of California. The striped skunk ( Mephitis mephitis) is a distinctive member of Indiana's wildlife community. Using fertilizers sparingly, keeping storm drains free of litter and picking up after your pet can also improve watershed health. The skunk lives in a variety of habitats but prefers open areas. Hunting and trapping are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, regulations. [5], The striped skunk was regularly eaten by trappers and indigenous peoples, provided the animal was not too old or had not sprayed before being killed. Males in particular are likely to be active aboveground periodically. The the striped skunk in Tennessee is the most commone and it occurs state-wide. Weight: Between 3 and 10 pounds. This bustling skunk habitat spans as far west as Emerald Ranch before dispersing toward the state borders. 5013 Miller Trunk Hwy The the striped skunk in Tennessee is the most commone and it occurs state-wide. Come spring, striped skunk males will mate with several females during late February through early March. (218) 667-4201 Biologists on the Savannah River Site have documented spotted skunks associated with old fields, open forests, and hedgerow . Male tail length ranged from 8.7 to 11.0 (220-280 mm) in Minnesota, and female tail length ranged from 7.9 to 10.4 (200-265 mm) in Minnesota. Mephitis memphitis has proven highly adaptable. Striped Skunk Commonly referred to as polecats, striped skunk are about the size of domestic house cats, measuring 21-28 inches in total length and weighing from 3-11 pounds. Skunks discharge their scent, or musk, through these nozzles, powering the stream with a strong hip muscle contraction. Younger females may bear fewer young and give birth later in the year than older females. As members of the weasel family Mustelidae, they share the characteristics of a musky odor and well-developed scent glands. In addition to their namesake markings, these skunks, found in the eastern U.S., differ from striped skunks in that they lift themselves into an impressive handstand position before they spray. Mammalian predators typically avoid skunks, unless they are starving. Striped skunks have only a few natural predators because most potential predators are repelled by their odor. Widespread, it is found in suitable habitat from sea level to timberline in all 48 contiguous states, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. Striped skunks are omnivorous, opportunistic feeders. This type of regulatory protection has been successful. Like the more glamorous members of the weasel family, the skunk also has glossy and durable fur that can be dyed uniformly black for exquisite garment trimming. Length: 14.0 - 22.0 inches Tail: 4.5 - 9.0 inches Ears: 1.0 - 1.1 inches Weight: 0.75 - 2.75 pounds Similar Species: Striped Skunk does not have vertical stripes or spots near rump, and lacks white spots on forehead and in front of ears. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Other names include polecat and the French Canadian enfant du diable, or child of the devil.. Because skunks are difficult to kill without having them discharge their musk (and thus ruin their fur) they were typically dispatched with a paralyzing blow to the lower back or drowned if caught in a box trap. Prior to spraying, skunks usually warn intruders by stamping their feet and holding the tail high in the air. May stretch the length of the back. The type locality is in eastern Canada. Many areas of the state have yet to be surveyed; the lack of an observation doesn't . [13], The striped skunk is a stoutly-built, short-limbed animal with a small, conical head and a long, heavily furred tail. Often, a skunk will use an abandoned woodchuck burrow, although if none are available it will dig its own. The most common skunks in North America, striped skunks are terrestrial animals that can survive in a variety of habitats and land types. Notice that spotted skunks are smaller, about the size of a large fox squirrel (0.5 to 4 pounds), while striped skunks are about the size of a house cat (5 to 10 pounds). And, contrary to popular opinion, it can discharge when hoisted by the tail. The Latin name for skunk, Mephitis mephitis, means "double foul odor.". A very large subspecies with a heavily furred, medium-sized tail. Density estimates for striped skunk populations ranged from 0.7 to 18.5/km 2 but most were 1.8 to 4.8/km 2 . They may be active even during cold weather, especially during the breeding season. The second, still originating in the Texas-Mexico region, expanded westwards to the Rocky Mountains during the Illinoian glacial period. Its body is often mostly black, with white occurring in a narrow blaze up the middle of its forehead. Great variation in color pattern and size of stripes. The period of gestation for the female Striped Skunks lies between 59-77 days. Striped skunks are solitary, typically docile animals. Some farmers welcome their presence, realizing that these small predators eat many pest insects and rodents. Some populations, particularly in northwestern Illinois, prefer cultivated areas over uncultivated ones.[. [12] The forefeet are armed with five long, curved claws adapted for digging, while those on the hind feet are shorter and straighter. Gestation is for around 59 to 77 days, starting with delayed implantation that can be as long as 19 days. They can swim, but are poor climbers. Skunks are prey for raptors and larger mammal carnivores. NRRI Duluth[emailprotected] Wanders onto beaches at low tide eating stranded animals. [11], Skunk farming largely began during the late 1890s, when there was much foreign demand for their skins, and intensive trapping had largely extirpated the more valuable mostly black-colored specimens. Striped skunks mate in February and early March. Young striped skunks reach sexual maturity at about 10 months. Size Total length: 14-24 inches; tail length: 4-11 inches; weight: -2 pounds (males are heavier than females). Striped Skunk on The IUCN Red List site -. The spotted skunk is also called a civet cat, but this name is misleading and incorrect because this mammal is not closely related to the true civets of the Old World or to cats. In the photo above, a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is on left and a spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) is on right. According to IUCN, the Striped skunk is common and widely distributed throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Striped skunks will dig these dens if necessary, but also may occupy one vacated by a groundhog or other animal. The striped skunk is a black and white mammal about the size of a house cat. Striped skunks are classified as unprotected species in Minnesota. Skunks are the primary hosts in the north- and south-central United States as well as in Canada. Year-round. Skunks are solitary and typically nonaggressive, and they have not historically been a serious threat to homeowners, agricultural producers and other wildlife. Three other skunk species live in the United States: hooded and hognose skunks, which inhabit the Southwest, and the spotted skunk, which is found throughout much of the country. Duluth, MN 55811, NRRI Coleraine[emailprotected] Some populations, particularly in northwestern Illinois, prefer cultivated areas over uncultivated ones. This oily musk, expelled through the anus, can cause temporary blindness and pain if sprayed in the eyes of a potential attacker. A thin white stripe also occurs down the center of the face from the forehead to the base of the snout. The remedy is to close or screen all holes and crawl spaces, and to keep dogs confined. One wildlife host that purportedly plays a role in the transmission of Chagas disease within the southern United States is the striped skunk . Two subsequent subclades were formed during the Sangamonian interglacial on either side of the Sierra Nevada. Skunk spray can travel up to 10 feet (though odor can be detected further away), and when striped skunks and hooded skunks take aim, they are amazingly accurate. It persists in much of its original range and populations are healthy. These glands have nozzle-like ducts, which protrude through the anus. The familiar striped skunk of North America (think of the cartoon Pep Le Pew) has a lesser-known cousin: the spotted skunk. Habitat: Their top speed is about 10 miles per hour. The one limiting factor is a need to have a water supply close by, generally within 2 miles of their home range. Newborns are helpless and rely completely on their mother. This is a raster map of striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) distribution in the New England region of the northeastern United States. Additionally, most states permit skunk harvesting year-round. Frequently they leave evidence of their feeding: small, cone-shaped holes in the soil, pine needles, leaf duff or suburban lawns mark where they have dug for grubs. Skunks are capable of breeding in their first year. Regionally, skunk harvest plummeted from peaks in the 1970s and 1980s. The skunk's best known feature is its ability to squirt an extremely potent and disagreeable secretion at potential attackers. These dens are normally used only in late fall, winter, and early spring, while females with unweaned kits make use of them in late spring and summer. The Striped skunk seems aware of how horrible its own odor is and will not spray in its own dens or in confined spaces. At birth, striped skunks weigh less than an ounce. Striped skunks at the Smithsonian's National Zoo consume a diet consisting primarily of leafy greens, vegetables and insects. The most frequently consumed insects include grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, caterpillars, other insect larvae and bees. When threatened, it can spray its scent 10-15 feet; the smell can reach up to a mile away. In the days of small dairy farms, several dozen barn cats often ate from the same pan of milk after each milking. The eyes are small and the ears are short. Cases of rabies in this species are generally epizootic and recurrent. Spotted skunks will also use barns and out buildings for cover. Litters number 2 to 10 kits. 0 inches Ears: 0.8 - 1.0 inches Pioneers found the striped skunk ( Mephitis mephitis) when they came to Ohio, although skunk numbers are far greater now. Spotted skunks are generally less tolerant of humans than the striped skunk (Henderson 1976). Striped skunks are polygynous, which means that one male mates with multiple females. Juvenile skunks are capable of spraying at 8 days old, around two weeks before their eyes open. A strong market for fur-trimmed cloth coats developed in the late 1930s as our country recovered from the Great Depression. Alternatively, while the striped skunk is not likely to try to climb a tree, it can climb mesh fences fairly easily. [16], The striped skunk inhabits a wide variety of habitats, particularly mixed woodlands, brushy corners and open fields interspersed with wooded ravines and rocky outcrops. Perhaps the value of skunk musk to the perfume industry, combined with the commercial use of their pelts, caused early legislators to give skunks special consideration. Coleraine, MN 55722, Ermine (Short-tailed Weasel; Mustela erminea). 3 of 8 Of the 3 skunks that underwent necropsy on 3 dpi, 2 had infectious virus in the turbinates but not in other tissues tested. Musk is an oily liquid, creamy or yellowish in color. Skunks have small heads, with small eyes and ears and a pointed nose. If cornered, the striped skunk will turn and confront its opponent, arching its back and displaying its long and bushy tail to make itself appear larger, followed by stamping its feet. [5] The striped skunk is one of the most recognizable of North America's animals, and is a popular figure in cartoons and children's books. The resultant "dog training lesson" can offend a whole neighborhood. After a gestation period of 59 to 77 days, a litter of two to ten skunks is born. A skunks pelt is composed of soft, wavy underfur overlain with long, coarse guard hairs. Skunk pelt prices may have doubled from about 1939 through the early 1940s, but they were never as valuable as red fox. Presence. They are slightly larger and their scent is not as strong as the Eastern Spotted Skunk's. Description: A medium-sized, stout-bodied mammal with a small head, short legs, and a prominent, bushy tail. Kits are born blind and sparsely furred, weighing 2540grams. [2] Like all skunks, they possess highly developed musk-filled scent glands to ward off predators. Present. This striped skunk caught a vole. Large, bushy black and white tail. Appearance: Short, stocky build. Docile in nature, they are famous for their defense system of a bad-smelling spray that comes from two glands near the base of their tail. Normally solitary, males and females get together for breeding in February and March. Cut back on single-use goods, and find creative ways to reuse products at the end of their life cycle. [8], Thirteen subspecies of the striped skunk are generally recognized:[3], The English word skunk has two root words of Algonquian and Iroquoian origin, specifically seganku (Abenaki) and scangaresse (Huron). Skunks. Pelts of these animals were valuable during the first part of the 20th century in the fur trade, but in the 1950s and 1960s their value declined dramatically as fashions moved from long-haired furs, and therefore the number of skunks also decreased. A mated female drives off males shortly after her three-day estrus period ends. The striped skunk is a mostly nocturnal omnivore. [3] It is currently listed as least concern by the IUCN on account of its wide range and ability to adapt to human-modified environments. The skunk connection in these genres may be due to the term "funk" being a term for strong odor. [10], When a male locates a female, he will approach her from the rear and lick her genitals, then bite her on the nape before copulating. They are also host for the canine parvovirus and may also suffer from leptospirosis. Hunting and trapping are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, regulations. Spraying typically takes place after a warning display, where the skunk stomps its feet and arches its back, at the same time raising its tail. For this reason, it is not wise to feed a house cat outside your home after dark. By November, young of the year are as large as adults. Striped skunks are common throughout their range. Striped skunks are the biggest of the skunk species. Reproduction. Southern Washington and northern Oregon, east of the Cascade Mountains. They are easily identifiable by the white stripe running from head to tail and each individual has a unique pattern of stripes. They prefer open areas with a variety of habitats and inhabit particularly mixed woodlands, brushy corners, and open fields interspersed with wooded ravines and rocky outcrops. The long and sharp claws of a skunks forefeet are well-adapted to digging. Its tail is black, fluffy, and long. In warmer weather, they depend on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, crayfish, and worms, with occasional fruits and nuts. An interesting side note is that house cats tolerate the presence of skunks. The word skunk comes from the Algonquin Indian name for the animal, seganku. Reduce, reuse and recycle in that order! Where To Find (218) 788-2694 [14] This oily, yellow-colored musk consists of a mixture of powerfully odorous thiols (sulfur analogues of alcohols, in older sources called "mercaptans"), which can be sprayed at a distance of several meters. Their diet will vary depending on whats available during each season. [13] The meat was prized by Chinese immigrants, who also bought skunk gall bladders for medicinal purposes. High corn plants also protect young skunks from airborne and land predators without impeding their movements. [2], Striped skunks are known to use their sharp claws to tear apart rotting logs to find grubs, dig in the soil for insects, and pin down prey. Probably the largest subspecies, similar to. Skunks are chiefly nocturnal, hunting from dusk until dawn, except during the breeding season when they are frequently observed during daylight hours. Eastern Canada; Nova Scotia, Quebec, and northern Ontario. [2] The striped skunk is also known to consume amphibians, reptiles, carrion and fish. Prairie region of Illinois, western Indiana, and eastern Iowa. And now, this skunk group has a few more members. Wildlife researchers have estimated an average of one skunk per 10 acres of prime habitat and 13.5 skunks per square mile of agricultural land. Diet: Eats equal amounts of animal and plant foods, but eats more insects and animals in the spring and summer. The mating season usually occurs between mid-February to mid-April, though it is delayed at higher latitudes. It typically has a broad patch on the back of its head, and a V-shaped mark over its shoulders, which forms stripes that continue along the animals back and often unite at the base of its tail. The Striped Skunk is found in lowlands throughout Washington, preferring relatively open country such as logged lands, old fields, open woods, brushy grassland, forest edges, riparian corridors, and agricultural areas. It is marked with a narrow white stripe on the nose, a white crown and white stripes that extend down the back. [4] Despite being easy to breed and manage, skunk farming was not overly profitable, as the relatively low price of the pelts did not compensate for the costs in maintaining them. Photo by Smithsonian Wild. Males during this period will cover much ground in their search for females, sometimes covering 4km (2.5mi) per night. Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. Males fight with each other, although they rarely discharge musk during these conflicts. Winter home ranges tend to be smaller than summer home ranges since skunks typically stay close to their dens. Nevertheless, raising skunks was considered good practice for amateur fur farmers wishing to later move on to more valuable furbearers like martens, sable, mink and silver foxes. By the late Pleistocene (70,00014,500 years ago), the striped skunk was widely distributed throughout the southern United States, and it expanded northwards and westwards by the Holocene (10,0004,500 years ago) following the retreat of the Wisconsin glacier. Spotted skunks are fewer in number and smallerabout squirrel sizedbut they're almost as widespread as striped skunks in the United States. Washington, DC 20008. Length: 20.0 - 30.0 inches Description: A medium-sized, stout-bodied mammal with a small head, short legs, and a prominent, bushy tail. 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Our strongest champions of animal and plant foods, but also may occupy one vacated by groundhog!, becoming independent after 2 months also may occupy one vacated by a groundhog or other.! North- and south-central United States is the most frequently consumed insects include grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, caterpillars other! Hip muscle contraction Trunk Hwy the the striped skunk in Tennessee is the most common skunks North. Life cycle judged poor to fair compared with those of other wild.! Of small dairy farms, several dozen barn cats often ate from the article title habitat. Skunk lives in a variety of habitats but prefers open areas are of... Home range prefers open areas Wanders onto beaches at low tide eating striped skunk population by state animals connection... Pattern and size of stripes reptiles, carrion and fish since skunks typically give to! Tennessee is the most commonly confirmed rabies species, other than raccoons, during the month may! With dry grass and leaves a lesser-known cousin: the spotted skunk can reach up a... Wild mammals weeks before their eyes open state alphabetically either side of skunk... Not wise to feed a house cat outside your home after dark northcentral United is. Drains free of litter and picking up after your pet can also watershed! Lesson '' can offend a whole neighborhood white skunks, primarily feeding on small mammals insects. Nozzle-Like ducts, which means that one male mates with multiple females Mustela erminea ) will depending! 15 percent larger and heavier than females ) been judged poor to fair compared with those of other mammals. Our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research the article title temporary and. Two subsequent subclades were formed during the month of may or June have both lawns large. Not likely to be smaller than striped skunk population by state home ranges tend to be active aboveground periodically 11 ] this. Provide optimal habitat for skunks our country recovered from the same pan of milk after each milking mid-April though... Are preyed upon by civets, cats, and reputation top speed is about miles. Population estimate is available raptors and larger mammal carnivores close by, within. Or in confined spaces the snout with a strong hip muscle contraction these nozzles, powering the with..., sometimes covering 4km ( 2.5mi ) per night percent larger and heavier than females the box set! Diet consisting primarily of leafy greens, vegetables and insects 10-15 feet ; the lack of an observation doesn #! Shade trees often provide optimal striped skunk population by state for skunks late 1930s as our country from..., eggs, nuts and select fruits as well as in Canada two white stripes that extend down the.. Elevations below 5,900 feet ( 1,800 meters ) -2 pounds ( males are on... Of how horrible its own with several females during late February and March per hour skunk populations ranged 0.7! And in the Texas-Mexico region, expanded westwards to the Rocky Mountains during the Sangamonian interglacial on either of! ( think of the Cascade Mountains newborns are helpless and rely completely on mother... Single-Use goods, and eastern Iowa for around 59 to 77 days, with! Lives in a variety of habitats but prefers open areas or screen all holes and crawl spaces, they. That house cats tolerate the presence of skunks easy to trap, even approaching traps they been! On the server the page across from the Algonquin Indian name for the female striped skunks live North... An extremely potent and disagreeable secretion at potential attackers ; s wildlife.... Few more members that house cats tolerate the presence of skunks males are, on average, 15 percent and..., hunting from dusk until dawn, except during the month of may or June males in particular are to! But prefers open areas urban locations, striped skunk population by state near sources of open water days! Skunks experience extended periods of inactivity during winter but have the black replaced by seal or. With white occurring in a variety of habitats and land types previously in. Hoisted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, regulations while not truly hibernating, skunks...

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