Skunks are the mammals belonging to the Mephitidae family. They are
well known for their lingering smell caused by their spray. It is the
most powerful defensive weapon of the skunks as they use it against
their enemy when they sense danger.
Skunks are found all
throughout North America and also in some parts of Mexico. In North
America alone, 4 species of skunks are found with the most abundant
being the striped one (scientifically known as Mephitis mephitis). The
second most common skunk is the spotted one which is scientifically
known as Spilogale putorius. The other species of skunk are the hooded
skunks (Mephitis macroura) and the hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus
leuconotus).
The average lifespan of a striped skunk is about 2-4
years and it weighs about 8 pounds. The average size of the skunk is
about 20-30” long (including the tail). Although the most common fur
colour is black and white, some skunks are brown or grey and a few are
cream coloured. Moreover, skunks are also known for their unique habits
as follows:
Spraying
Skunks are known to
release a powerful smell through their anal glands when threatened. They
have two glands, one on each side of the anus. These glands produce a
mixture of sulfur containing chemicals such as thiols traditionally
called mercaptans which have a highly offensive smell. This odour is so
strong that it is used for the purpose defense by the skunk.
Habitat and Nature
Skunks
are extremely adaptable and opportunistic. They can thrive in many
different habitats as long as food and shelter are available. Skunks
rarely dig their own holes but they make dens in tree hollows and ground
level openings under buildings and structures.
They are nocturnal
and are mostly active during night. They are solitary animals mostly
living and foraging alone.Skunks are generally non-aggressive and it
would hardly attack anyone until and unless it feels threatened and
disturbed. Spraying is not the first defensive weapon against animal control instead skunks first resist and try to scare animals by growling, spitting, flapping and shaking their tail.
Reproduction
Since
skunks are solitary animals and prefer to live alone, mating season is
one of the only other times when skunks tend to socialize. Skunks give
birth to 1-7 youngsters in late April through June. The gestation period
of skunks are approximately 66 days. Being that they are mammals,
skunks feed their young ones by mother’s milk.
Digging
Skunks
are known for making holes in gardens and lawns. They have strong
forefeet which are well equipped with claws. These claws help them to
dig holes. Skunks damage property and sometimes even den in the
foundation openings of buildings. They even undermine sheds, decks and
also damage many gardens because of their eating and digging behaviours.
Food habits
Skunks
prefer an omnivorous diet typically preferring to dine on insects and
grubs, but will also eat plants. Some also witness cases that skunks
have damaged beehives in order to eat bees.
Skunks also carry many
diseases such as rabies which can be transmitted when they bite an
individual or another animal. They also carry many pests such as ticks
and mites which are themselves carriers of many diseases. There are many
methods for skunk control; Skunk traps, electronic repellents, and
keeping a clean garden are the primary ones. However, before attempting
to trap a skunk, you should call your local Humane Society or Wildlife
Control professionals to determine the laws and regulations regarding
the wildlife in your area. To make things easier, safer, and convenient for you call the professionals at an animal control company
like Skedaddle this way, you can ensure that your skunk problems will
be addressed properly. The best part is you can save money in the long
run because you can be sure that future re-entries of skunks will be
prevented. Skedaddle will make sure that you will never run into a
problem with skunks ever again.
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