Skunks belong to the family of mammals and the order of predators. Previously, they were ranked among the weasel family, but only recently they were singled out as a separate family. Absolutely all representatives of this family have a common coloration, which allows us to easily and quickly identify the species of the animal.
Skunk species
In terms of body structure, skunks are similar to badgers and steppe polecats. They also have a dense body and short legs. In total, there are about 13 types of skunks.
Let’s consider the most common types:
Striped skunk
One of the most numerous members of the family. The species has spread to the territory of southern Canada and central America. This animal is often found in cities. They tend to organize small shelters in basements. Prefers forest regions. It has a characteristic black and white color on the back. There is a white speck and stripe on the head. The weight of this species ranges from 1.2 to 5.3 kilograms.
Mexican skunk
The smallest representative. He settled in the southwestern region of America. Occurs in rocky and desert areas. The color can be practically black with a white back, black with stripes on the sides, or a combination of both. In general, it bears many similarities to the striped skunk. The difference lies in the texture of the coat and its length. There is long hair near the head, due to which skunks of this species have received a separate name “hooded skunk”.
Spotted skunk
This species combines 3 more subspecies: small skunk, spotted skunk and pygmy skunk… They differ in their habitat. Small skunks have spread from the center of the United States to eastern Mexico. Spotted skunks have settled in the southeast and center of the United States. Dwarf skunks live in the southwestern region of Mexico. All of these species differ in their ability to climb trees. They set up their shelters among stones, in burrows and basements. They are distinguished by soft coat and black color with several white stripes and specks.
Pig-nosed skunks
It unites about 5 species, differing in the habitat region. These include:
- The pig-nosed skunk that populated the southern United States and Nicaragua;
- An East Mexican scus living in Texas;
- A half-striped skunk native to southern Mexico, as well as Peru and Brazil;
- The South American scus that populated Bolivia, Chile and Argentina;
- The Humboldt skunk that settled in Chile and Argentina.
These are the largest skunks that can weigh up to 4.5 kilograms. All of these representatives are blessed with black hair with wide white stripes on the back and a completely white tail. It is noteworthy that they do not have a characteristic white stripe in the head area. The name comes from the structure of the nose, which resembles a pig’s patch. They prefer to inhabit uneven terrain, and settle holes in stones.
general description
Skunks are endowed with a characteristic color in the form of alternating stripes of white on a black background. There are slight differences in color depending on the species in question. This characteristic pattern serves as a protective function for them.
In terms of their dimensions, skunks can reach from 17 to 30 centimeters in body length and weigh in the range from 0.2 to 1 kilogram, with the exception of pig-necked skunks.
The most famous distinguishing feature of these representatives is their smelly anal glands, which produce and give off a persistent unpleasant odor. They are able to spray this liquid up to a distance of 6 meters.
All skunks have a strong build and a very fluffy tail. The limbs are short and well developed. At the ends there are sharp claws that help to dig the ground for arranging holes.
Where the skunk lives
As a habitat, skunks prefer flat terrain, next to which water sources are located. The homeland of this animal is considered to be southern Canada. It cannot be found in Alaska. Most often, a high population of skunks remains in Mexico, Argentina, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and El Salvador.
It is common for them to climb up to 1800 meters above the sea. Animals can also be found at altitudes up to 4000 meters. Most often they live in forests and meadows. They are found near cities. Their most favorite habitat is shrubs, slopes and edges near water bodies and rivers.
Lifestyle
Skunks tend to be active at night. They dig holes on their own, but they can occupy ready-made ones. Some representatives are excellent tree climbers. Animals that live in the northern regions, with the onset of autumn, begin to actively store fat during the hibernation period. They do not go into complete hibernation in winter, but they become very passive and leave the burrow only in search of food. They spend winter in their permanent burrow. They can unite in groups of one male and several females.
Animals compensate for their poor eyesight with excellent sense of smell and hearing. They cannot distinguish between objects that are located next to them.
Skunks prefer to spend the warm seasons alone. These are not territorial animals, therefore they are not peculiar to occupy spaces and mark the boundaries of their possessions. As a rule, one female accounts for up to 4 square kilometers, and for one male up to 20 square kilometers.
Life span
Life expectancy varies depending on the species. In the wild, skunks live up to three years on average. In captivity, they can live up to ten years of age.
Nutrition
Skunks are considered absolutely omnivorous animals. They can hunt small mammals such as mice, squirrels, shrews and small rabbits. Some fish and crustaceans are also found in their diet. They can eat insects and worms. From plant foods, various herbs and foliage are preferred. If there are hazels and fruits in their range, then they feed on them as well. If there is a shortage of food, then they eat various carrion.
Captive skunks can gain significantly more weight than their wild counterparts. This is due to the high fat content of the feed. At home, skunks are fed as practical as dogs. Their food should not be sweet or salty. For a change, you can feed it with fruit, fish and chicken.
During the hunt, animals actively use their hearing and smell. Having found potential prey, they begin to actively dig the ground and unfold stones and leaves. They seize small rodents with their jaws at the moment of jumping.
It is also noteworthy that skunks are very fond of honey and can eat it together with combs and bees. For them, the sting of bees does not cause concern because of the thick wool. However, a bite on the muzzle can have bad consequences.
Breeding period
Autumn for skunks marks the beginning of the breeding season. This usually starts in September. Females become sexually mature at the age of one year. The animals themselves are characterized by polygamous behavior. There may be several females per male. Moreover, the male does not participate in raising the offspring.
The incubation period lasts up to 31 days. Females are characterized by embryonic diapause, when there is a delay in the attachment of the embryo to the walls. In such cases, the pregnancy lasts two months. Typically, 3 to 10 small skunks are born, which weigh only 22 grams. They appear completely blind and deaf. They become sighted only after a few weeks. At the age of one month, they begin to shoot with their odorous liquid. Within two months, females actively feed their offspring, after which they learn to independently obtain their own food. The female spends the first winter with her cubs. After which they are completely ready for independent life and can leave the territory of their mother.
Little skunk
Enemies
Skunks are virtually non-existent in the food chain of other animals due to their ability to produce a scent that repels many predators. However, weaker skunks can be attacked by predatory animals such as lynx, fox, coyote and badger.
In case of danger, the skunk warns its opponents by taking a threatening pose, lifting its tail and stamping its feet. If a dangerous animal does not move away, then it begins to hiss, stand on its front paws and even play a false shot. In this way, the animal gives predators a chance to avoid a hassle. If that doesn’t work, the skunk arches its back and sprays its scent over its head towards the potentially dangerous animal. If splashed in the eye, this substance can cause temporary blindness.
The sprayed substance contains butyl mercaptan. It accumulates for a long time in the glands of the anus. As a rule, this liquid is enough for 6 shots. It will take a few more days to resume.
In addition, skunks are the main vectors of many diseases and parasites. In particular, these include a disease called histoplasmosis. Rabies is also common among skunks.
The most important enemy of these cute animals is humans. Many people choose to kill skunks because of the odor they carry. There are also cases where skunks can attack poultry. Increasingly, skunks die on the roads or while eating pre-poisoned baits.
