Skunks are medium-sized mammals belonging to the family Mephitidae, which also includes stink badgers. They were historically classified in the family Mustelidae, along with weasels, badgers, and otters, because these animals share a similar body form with short legs, stocky bodies, small heads, and strong claws. This resemblance, however, is superficial, and DNA analyses in the 1990s revealed that skunks represent a separate evolutionary lineage, leading to their placement in their own family.
These mammals are noted for an extremely pungent defensive spray that is produced by specialized anal scent glands and released only when they feel persistently threatened. Despite this reputation, skunks are typically shy, solitary animals that prefer to avoid confrontation.
Depending on the species, skunks are about 1.3 to 3 ft (15.6 to 36 in) long and weigh between 1 and 18 lb (0.50 and 8.2 kg).
The term ‘skunk’ dates back to the 1630s, derived from an Algonquian word seganku. These animals are most closely related to stink badgers (genus Mydaus), which also belong to the same family, Mephitidae.
As of 2020, there are 13 recognized species, classified into 3 genera.
Most skunks have thick black-and-white fur, with white stripes or patches that vary in pattern across species. This bold contrast serves as a visual warning to predators (aposematism), signaling their strong chemical defense. They also have an extremely bushy tail.
A pair of anal glands is present on either side of the anus at the base of the tail. These glands open through small ducts near the anal opening and produce the strong-smelling fluid that skunks use to defend themselves.
They have five toes on each foot, with strong, non-retractable claws that they use to dig burrows for shelter and to scratch the soil for finding prey.
On sensing a predator, skunks first try to scare it away by stomping their front feet and hissing or growling. They may also raise their tails as a warning display to appear intimidating. A few species, such as the eastern spotted skunk, raise themselves onto their front legs, like a handstand.
When these initial efforts fail, skunks resort to their ultimate defensive strategy. They turn their back to the threat and spray the stenchy anal secretion with full force and remarkable accuracy for distances of up to about 3 m (10 ft).1 The secretion contains sulfur-based compounds called thiols, which are extremely pungent and cause intense eye stinging, resulting in temporary vision problems in the predator.
Skunks typically produce enough secretion for only 5 to 6 sprays in a row and may need up to 10 days to fully replenish it.
Skunks are opportunistic omnivores, consuming whatever food is seasonally available. Depending on the species, they are nocturnal or crepuscular and prefer to forage in darkness.
In spring and summer, they typically feed on adult and larval insects, including beetles and their grubs, grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars, and wasps. Additionally, they may feed on other invertebrates such as earthworms, as well as small vertebrates, including rodents, frogs, lizards, snakes, and bird eggs.
During the fall, they switch to energy-rich food as they prepare themselves for a fairly inactive winter. During this time, fruits, roots, and nuts constitute a major part of their diet.
In winter, they may survive only on stored body fat. Although skunks do not truly hibernate, they may enter intermittent periods of inactivity (torpor), showing decreased activity.
Although rare, skunks may also scavenge on carrion and garbage if nothing else is available.2
These mammals range from southern Canada through the United States, Mexico, Central America, and into South America, with the southernmost species (like the Molina’s hog-nosed skunk) reaching Argentina and Chile.
Owing to their dietary flexibility, skunks have adapted to a wide range of habitats, including forests, plains, and deserts, though they prefer open or forest-edge zones. Some species, such as the striped skunk, are more adaptable and thrive in human-modified habitats. In fact, this species is the most common skunk in North America, often found living in urban areas under houses and garages. It is also commonly kept as a pet.3
These mammals mostly range from sea level to elevations of about 1,800 m. However, they have been recorded at a maximum height of around 4,200 m.4
They spend most of their daytime resting in dens. These dens may be rock crevices, hollow tree logs, or abandoned burrows of other animals. They are usually solitary except for the breeding season, when they gather to mate.
These mammals mate around late winter to early spring. In the Northern Hemisphere, mating usually occurs between February and March, whereas in the Southern Hemisphere, it typically takes place between July and September.
After a gestation period of about 60 to 75 days, female skunks give birth to a litter of 4 to 7 kits.5 These kits are born blind and deaf, covered with a thin layer of fur, and are completely dependent on their mother.
At about 3 weeks, the kits open their eyes. They are weaned by 2 months and reach sexual maturity at around one year of age.
Lifespan
In the wild, most skunks live for 2 to 3 years. However, they may survive up to 15 years in captivity.6
Although skunks have few natural predators because of their effective chemical defense, they may still be hunted by a few animals. Their primary predator is the great horned owl, whose poor sense of smell makes a skunk’s spray ineffective. Other predators include certain hawks and eagles, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and cougars. Young skunks are also vulnerable to snakes.
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