Learn More
Get Involved
Striped Skunk

Striped Skunk

Mephitis mephitis

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Abundance: Abundant
Habitat: Forest, Grassland
Activity: Nocturnal (Active at night)
Lifespan: Up to 7 years

The most common, widespread skunk that is abundant along forest and field edges. Although the pattern of white stripes on this skunk varies widely, the Striped Skunk is easily recognizable. It is a nocturnal animal, sleeping in any sheltered spot during the day. They are not social animals and are not bothered by most predators. However, owls and other raptors are not repelled by the pungent fumes that the skunk emits.

Diet

Mostly insects and other invertebrates

Activity Pattern

Nocturnal (Active at night)
Kingdom: Animalia
→
Phylum: Chordata
→
Class: Mammalia
→
Order: Carnivora
→
Family: Mephitidae
→
Genus: Mephitis
→
Species: Mephitis mephitis

Scientific Name

Mephitis mephitis
Breeding Season
February-April
Lifespan
Up to 7 years

Behavior

A docile creature and often ignores other animals, except during the breeding season. Despite its passive nature, M. mephitis is well known for its defensive behavior. Members of the family Mephitidae are renowned for having enlarged anal scent glands, even more than members of family Mustelidae. These paired glands contain an overpowering, yellowish musk, which can be discharged through the anus in a fluid spray, reaching up to 6.0 meters. During the daytime, M. mephitis will take up refuge in the abandoned underground dens of other mammals, but may dig their own if necessary. Hollowed logs or trees, rock or brush piles and the underside of buildings may also be utilized.

Activity Pattern

Nocturnal (Active at night)

Habitat Types

Forest
Grassland

Geographic Distribution

Their range spans most of North America. From east to west, they reach from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, covering most of the continental United States and southern regions of Canada.

Local Abundance

Abundant

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

Contribute Your Observations

Have you spotted this species? Your observations help us track populations and understand behavior patterns.

Submit an Observation