A member of the weasel family, the black and white mammal known as the skunk is best known for its foul-smelling spray. When a skunk feels trapped or in danger, it showers this spray on the creature that threatens it. There are various types of skunks, but all are quite similar in their behavior.

Where skunks live

Skunks can be found in North America, Central America, and South America. Most live in woods or grasslands, but they can also thrive in other environments. The hooded skunk, for example, inhabits the deserts of the southwestern United States and Central America. Spotted skunks are common in rocky areas. Many skunks are even comfortable living near people, such as under houses or porches. Skunks dig their own dens or use ones abandoned by other animals.

Physical features

Skunks vary in size depending on the species, or type. The head and body length of the most common type, the striped skunk, ranges from about 12 to 18 inches (31 to 46 centimeters). The tail adds another 7 to 16 inches (18 to 40 centimeters). Their weight is usually between 2 and 13 pounds (1 and 6 kilograms). The smallest skunks are the spotted varieties. They have a head and body length of about 5 to 14 inches (12 to 35 centimeters) and can weigh as little as ¹/₂ pound (0.2 kilogram).

All skunks have black and white fur patterns, but the patterns vary in appearance. The striped skunk is usually black with a narrow white forehead stripe and a white head patch that extends onto the back as either a single band or two stripes. The color pattern is similar in some hooded skunks, but others have a mostly white back and tail. The hooded skunk is named for an area of long hair on its upper neck. The various types of hog-nosed skunk have coarse, black fur with a white tail and, usually, a white back. They are named for their long, naked snout, which looks like a pig's nose. The fur of spotted skunks is silky and black with white stripes or spots.

The foul-smelling liquid that a skunk sprays when threatened is produced by glands at the root of its tail. These glands allow the skunk to aim the spray in any direction.

Behavior

Most skunks are nocturnal, or active at night. Skunks are omnivorous, meaning that they eat both animals and plants. Their diet includes insects, eggs, small rodents, birds, and fruits.

When a skunk feels threatened by an animal or human, it first tries to chase the enemy away. As a warning, the skunk generally lifts its tail and stamps its feet. Spotted skunks stand on their front feet as an additional warning. If these acts fail to stop the enemy from approaching, the skunk will spray. The liquid can be shot as far as 12 feet (3.7 meters). Skunks usually aim the spray at the eyes of the enemy so the enemy will be temporarily blinded. The smell from the spray is very strong and difficult to remove from clothing.

Reproduction

Most skunks mate in late winter or early spring. A female skunk gives birth to a litter of 2 to 10 young. For striped skunks, the litter usually contains 4 or 5 young. Male skunks do not help to raise the babies. After mating, a male wanders off in search of other mates. Within two months after birth the young skunks begin to explore outside the nest on their own, but they stay nearby. Young striped skunks follow their mother around until leaving for good during the next mating season.

Relationship with humans

Skunks can be both useful and harmful to humans. By eating insects and small rodents such as mice, they help control pests that are harmful to crops. Skunks can become pests themselves, however, by feeding on crops, poultry, and eggs. Skunks can be tamed to become pets, but people should take special care in handling them. Skunks are common carriers of rabies, a serious disease that affects the brain. Through bites or other direct contact, an infected skunk can spread rabies to other animals or humans. The disease can lead to death if not properly treated.