# Skunk (*Mephitis mephitis*) Skunks are small mammals known for their black and white stripes. They have a special way to protect themselves by spraying a smelly liquid when they feel scared. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 39 - **Habitat:** Forests, Grasslands, Urban areas - **Also known as:** Common Skunk, Striped Skunk ![Skunk](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426403/objects/6412.jpg) ## Appearance The Skunk has a distinctive glossy black coat with a prominent white stripe running from its head down its back, often splitting into two stripes over the rump. Its bushy tail is also black and white, making it easily recognizable and different from most other small mammals. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Mephitidae - **Genus:** Mephitis ## Interesting facts - Skunks are immune to venom from many snakes, like rattlesnakes! - Skunks do a stomping "dance" as a warning before they unleash their stinky spray! - Some skunks are born all white, or even brownish instead of black! - Their super stinky spray can travel farther than a school bus is long! ## Special abilities - **Super Stink Spray:** Skunk can accurately spray a potent, foul-smelling musk because it helps deter predators from a safe distance. - **Night Navigator:** Skunk has excellent night vision and a keen sense of smell that helps them forage for food and navigate in the dark. - **Expert Digger:** Skunk has long, strong front claws that help them dig burrows for shelter and unearth insects or roots. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 50-75 cm - **Weight:** 1.2-6.3 kg - **Lifespan:** 2-4 years - **Speed:** 16 km/h - **Litter Size:** 2-10 - **Gestation:** 60-75 days ## Diet & Feeding Skunks are omnivores, enjoying a mixed menu of bugs, berries, small animals, and eggs! - **Primary Foods:** insects, grubs, mice, berries, eggs, carrion - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Great Horned Owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-horned-owl) (*Bubo virginianus*) — A primary predator, often unfazed by spray. - **Eats:** [Deer Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/deer-mouse) (*Peromyscus maniculatus*) — A common small mammal prey item for skunks. - **Eats:** [Common Cockchafer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-cockchafer) (*Melolontha melolontha*) — Skunks dig up and eat the grubs of this beetle. - **Shelter:** [Groundhog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/groundhog) (*Marmota monax*) — Skunks often use abandoned groundhog burrows for dens. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low If you see a skunk, stay calm and move away slowly to avoid scaring it. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Skunk? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Skunk? 50-75 cm ### How much does Skunk weigh? 1.2-6.3 kg ### How long does Skunk live? 2-4 years ### How fast can Skunk move? 16 km/h ### What does Skunk eat? Skunks are omnivores, enjoying a mixed menu of bugs, berries, small animals, and eggs! ### Where is Skunk usually found? Forests, Grasslands, Urban areas ### How does Skunk hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Abbott Farm Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/abbott-farm-historic-district) — New Jersey, US · Historic District - [Ambler Heights Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ambler-heights-historic-district) — Ohio, US · Historic District - [Atchison Village](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/atchison-village) — California, US · Neighborhood - [Bellefontaine Cemetery](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bellefontaine-cemetery) — Missouri, US · Botanical Garden - [Broadway Avenue Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/broadway-avenue-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Capitol Park Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/capitol-park-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District [View all places to see Skunk](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/skunk) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Skunk: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/skunk)