striped skunk population by state

Shores of Puget Sound and coastal region of Washington and northern Oregon. It has broad stripes that cover its body length, although the coloration may vary. The skunk connection in these genres may be due to the term "funk" being a term for strong odor. 3 of 8 Important Links; NY Nature Explorer; PDF Help; For help with PDFs on this page, please call 518-402-8883.; Contact for this Page; Bureau of Wildlife 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-4754 518-402-8883 Female striped skunks typically give birth once each year, with breeding occurring between February and April. [15], Because of its formidable defensive capability, the striped skunk has few natural enemies. There is a high mortality rate among skunks; many do not survive beyond their first year. Mammalian predators typically avoid skunks, unless they are starving. Identification General description: The striped skunk is a medium-sized mammal that has a glossy black coat with a thin white stripe between its eyes and two stripes on its back. By the late Pleistocene (70,00014,500 years ago), the striped skunk was widely distributed throughout the southern United States, and it expanded northwards and westwards by the Holocene (10,0004,500 years ago) following the retreat of the Wisconsin glacier. Skunks are nocturnal solitary animals and forage and hunt in the evening. Skunks can be found throughout the Great Lakes region, with populations secure in all states and Ontario. Mephitis memphitis has proven highly adaptable. Striped skunks at the Smithsonian's National Zoo consume a diet consisting primarily of leafy greens, vegetables and insects. Skunks are armed with a potent defensive weapon: a pair of large scent glands found beneath the skin on either side of the rectum. For reference, spotted skunks typically weigh less than 2 . Total length averaged 23.1 (586 mm), ranging from 17.6 to 25 (447-635 mm) in the Eastern United States, and ranged from 21.3 to 29.5 (540-750 mm) in Wisconsin. Where To Find Skunk anal glands are responsible for the sulfur compounds that, when sprayed, form the pungent scent that is a skunks primary defense. The chemical makeup of skunk musk varies by species, but each version contains compounds called thiols that are responsible for the foul smell. Litters number 2 to 10 kits. The striped skunk has a white stripe that starts at the top of its head, splits at the neck, and extends down each side of its body. The striped skunk is a mostly nocturnal omnivore. The spotted skunk is able to use its strong feet and claws to climb trees. Tail is usually black, but sometimes has a white tip and sides. Notice that spotted skunks are smaller, about the size of a large fox squirrel (0.5 to 4 pounds), while striped skunks are about the size of a house cat (5 to 10 pounds). Eastern Canada; Nova Scotia, Quebec, and northern Ontario. These glands have nozzle-like ducts, which protrude through the anus. Maryland Biodiversity Project. They will remain in the den for up to seven weeks; after this, they will venture out with their mothers and stay with them through the summer before seeking new territory come fall. They prefer underground dens in colder winter climates. A skunks smelly spray can reach up to ten feet, and be detected for up to 2.4 km (1.5 mi). Striped skunks are common throughout their range. This page is available in other languages. Nevertheless, raising skunks was considered good practice for amateur fur farmers wishing to later move on to more valuable furbearers like martens, sable, mink and silver foxes. Regional records for the eastern spotted skunk suggest that this species extended its range northward into Minnesota in the early 1900s. The Striped skunk seems aware of how horrible its own odor is and will not spray in its own dens or in confined spaces. The the striped skunk in Tennessee is the most commone and it occurs state-wide. [11], Skunk farming largely began during the late 1890s, when there was much foreign demand for their skins, and intensive trapping had largely extirpated the more valuable mostly black-colored specimens. Skunks are intelligent and usually good-natured. [5] The striped skunk is one of the most recognizable of North America's animals, and is a popular figure in cartoons and children's books. [11] Alternative English names for the striped skunk include common skunk,[12] Hudsonian skunk, northern skunk, black-tailed skunk and prairie polecat. However, recent surveys now . They also prey on woodchucks and other young animals in burrows. The the striped skunk in Tennessee is the most commone and it occurs state-wide. [14] This oily, yellow-colored musk consists of a mixture of powerfully odorous thiols (sulfur analogues of alcohols, in older sources called "mercaptans"), which can be sprayed at a distance of several meters. Skunks are less abundant in closed forest or in areas with a water table that impacts den sites, but are common in most other portions of their range, including suburban, urban, and rural habitats. This bustling skunk habitat spans as far west as Emerald Ranch before dispersing toward the state borders. [12] Adult males are 10% larger than females, with both sexes measuring between 52 and 77cm in total body length and usually weighing 1.84.5kg (4.09.9lb), though some may weigh 5.5kg (12lb). Choose recycling over trash when possible. They prefer open areas, with abundant populations observed on agricultural lands. [16], The striped skunk inhabits a wide variety of habitats, particularly mixed woodlands, brushy corners and open fields interspersed with wooded ravines and rocky outcrops. [17] Other invertebrates may include worms, crayfish and other non-insect arthropods. Coyotes, foxes, owls, bobcat and fisher will prey on skunks, and collisions with cars are a common cause of skunk deaths. Names . Habitat: Occurs around rocky, dense habitat, including fencerows, shrubby field borders, and farmland. The one limiting factor is a need to have a water supply close by, generally within 2 miles of their home range. Skunks dig out bumblebee nests and scratch at the entrances of beehives, catching and eating any honeybees that fly out. This disagreeable musk is secreted by glands at the base of the tail and can be aimed and sprayed at will. Due to their diet, Striped skunks may affect insect populations in their range. Although they are blind and unfurred, the pattern of their future black-and-white pelage shows on their pinkish, wrinkled skin. It has sharp claws on its front webbed feet that it will use to dig for grubs, worms, and reptiles or amphibians, and that can aid them climbing trees in search of food. Cases of rabies in this species are generally epizootic and recurrent. After a gestation period of 59 to 77 days, a litter of two to ten skunks is born. During the day, they nest in the abandoned dens that other animals have lived in, or in brush piles or hollowed logs, or underneath buildings. Great variation in color pattern and size of stripes. Striped skunks have an easily identifiable coloration: two thick white stripes along the back and tail sharply contrast an otherwise black coat. Frequently they leave evidence of their feeding: small, cone-shaped holes in the soil, pine needles, leaf duff or suburban lawns mark where they have dug for grubs. The great horned owl, which lacks a well-developed sense of smell and apparently is not bothered by the skunks musk, is a predator. The fur is black, usually with a white stripe running down the head and dividing to become two stripes on each side of the body. It has been prevalent in modern popular culture, being the subject of various jazz and funk songs like Cab Calloway's "Skunk Song" and the Brecker Brothers' "Some Skunk Funk". Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. And now, this skunk group has a few more members. [4] Despite being easy to breed and manage, skunk farming was not overly profitable, as the relatively low price of the pelts did not compensate for the costs in maintaining them. Musk is an oily liquid, creamy or yellowish in color. [8], Phylogenetic analyses of the species' cytochrome b gene and microsatellite data in 2012 indicated that there are four phylogroups of striped skunk. Maryland is home to two members of the skunk family. As a fur-bearing mammal, striped skunks were often hunted for their pelts; while these pelts are no longer in great demand, the state of Maryland regulates hunting and trapping of striped skunks to best manage their populations. Size: 18-32 inches long; up to 8 lbs. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today remain stable. They can weigh from around 2 lbs to over 10 lbs. Probably the largest subspecies, similar to. A mated female drives off males shortly after her three-day estrus period ends. They develop quickly. Mephitis memphitis has proven highly adaptable. Wildlife researchers have estimated an average of one skunk per 10 acres of prime habitat and 13.5 skunks per square mile of agricultural land. While the mammals have adapted to a wide range of environments, they prefer habitat with a variety of woodlands and open fields, which means they can also be found in both rural and suburban settings. And, contrary to popular opinion, it can discharge when hoisted by the tail. Most skunks live two to three years in the wild; in captivity, they have lived 10 years. Their diet will vary depending on whats available during each season. Normally solitary, males and females get together for breeding in February and March. Males fight with each other, although they rarely discharge musk during these conflicts. Skunks are host to fleas, lice, mites, ticks and various internal parasites. Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today! Striped skunks are opportunistic omnivores, with a diet that varies with what is available. A study released in 2013 included a video of a Western spotted skunk handstanding and facing off with a mountain lion over a deer carcass. New England and Middle Atlantic States; south to Virginia; west to Indiana. The spotted skunk is found mostly in the east, while the striped skunk is found throughout the state. When it is colder, they prefer to remain in underground dens. However, roadside and lawn mowing, or any maintenance practice which prevents the development of a forest canopy, favors the continued existence of skunks. Striped skunks can be found throughout Pennsylvania, but the highest densities are associated with agricultural areas. Fruits, nuts, carrion, garbage, invertebrates, eggs, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles can all be taken, but insects usually represent the majority of their diet. But the omnivorous striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)New England's only native Skunks have small heads, with small eyes and ears and a pointed nose. Skunks have poor eyesight and mostly hunt by nose and hearing, so it can be easy to startle one. The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is a skunk of the genus Mephitis that occurs across much of North America, including southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. Skunks are known to everyone by sight, smell, and reputation. Eastern Oregon, northern California, and Nevada; east to the Wasatch Mountains in Utah. Some populations, particularly in northwestern Illinois, prefer cultivated areas over uncultivated ones. (1982). Although they may cover several miles each night while hunting, established individuals rarely wander more than a half-mile from their home burrows. In general, adults range more widely than juveniles, males more widely than females. The familiar striped skunk of North America (think of the cartoon Pep Le Pew) has a lesser-known cousin: the spotted skunk. [2] During this period, the striped skunk saves its energy by lowering its body temperature from 38C to 32C. Striped skunks have an IUCN rank of Least Concern, IUCN information. They are also host for the canine parvovirus and may also suffer from leptospirosis. As one of the most recognizable mammals anywhere, striped skunks are known for their black fur and characteristic white stripes on their head and down their back. Southern California, from vicinity of Monterey Bay south into Lower California; east to the Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino Range. There's no reason to specify; you will undoubtedly find a few skunks just by traveling up and down the eastern side of the state. The population of both Striped and Spotted Skunks is very unstable and subject to violent fluctuations in any given area" (Reports from 1951:17). Adults grow to be about 47 to 82 cm (about 18 to 32 inches) long and may weigh up to 6.3 kg (13 pounds). This is a raster map of striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) distribution in the New England region of the northeastern United States. Its scientific name, mephitis, in Latin means bad odor. These grades are further subdivided in value according to their locality, with the most valuable occurring in northern regions, where the fur is finer and darker. Although these animals are usually silent, they can make a wide range of sounds, including hissing, screeching, churring, growling, twittering, and cooing sounds during social interactions or when alarmed. The burrow has a central chamber (12 to 15 inches in diameter) about three feet underground, connected to the surface by one or more tunnels 5 to 15 feet long. Community dens have been found containing 12 or more skunks, mostly females and young. Most striped skunks do not survive their first year, succumbing to the weather or disease. The long and sharp claws of a skunks forefeet are well-adapted to digging. They travel widely in search of mates and breed with several females if possible. Skunks can spray up to 15 feet, but the smell can carry up to a mile. Striped skunk is ideally suited for this purpose because the white hairs of the pelt become a uniform, glossy black when dyed. Skunks readily adapt to urban, suburban, and agricultural land use. A surfeit is the word for a group of skunks. Striped skunks are natives of North America and occur from northern Mexico to southern Canada. Southern Washington and northern Oregon, east of the Cascade Mountains. [2] Like all skunks, they possess highly developed musk-filled scent glands to ward off predators. Here, we report the observation of tentative tool use in a wild striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), captured by a trail camera in the front yard of a hobby naturalist who shared the photographs on social media. They weigh 3 to 12 pounds, depending on age, sex, physical condition and time of year. [10][11] The Cree and Ojibwe word shee-gawk is the root word for Chicago, which means 'skunk-land'. The eastern spotted skunk, also known as the civet cat, reaches its northernmost limit in the northcentral United States. It persists in much of its original range and populations are healthy. In some states, like Florida, skunks may be killed only during a season, but harvests year-round are allowed in most states. The striped skunk is an interesting component of New York's wildlife assortment. A skunk can shoot musk about twelve feet, but will use it as only a last resort, preferring, instead, to bluff an enemy. [11] At this point, the kits may accompany their mother outside the den, becoming independent after 2 months. Reduce, reuse and recycle in that order! In addition to their namesake markings, these skunks, found in the eastern U.S., differ from striped skunks in that they lift themselves into an impressive handstand position before they spray. Their top speed is about 10 miles per hour. Size : Total length: 20-30 inches; tail length: 7-15 inches; weight: 2-11 pounds. May stretch the length of the back. They are native to the United States and Canada. However, these animals may still be harvested in most parts of Canada and the United States. Skunks spray when threatened, serving as a nuisance for sprayed humans and pets. The striped skunk is one of the major carriers of the rabies virus, second only to raccoons in the US where skunks are 25% of annual cases. Prior to spraying, skunks usually warn intruders by stamping their feet and holding the tail high in the air. Regularly occurring. Dogs, foxes, coyotes and bobcats take an occasional skunk, but the skunks potent musk warns off most predators. The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis ) is a skunk of the genus Mephitis that occurs across much of North America, including southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. While not truly hibernating, striped skunks experience extended periods of inactivity during winter. Skunks live in a variety of habitats. Striped skunks have black fur with a wide, white stripe from the head all the way down the back on the body. Young are born blind, with eyes opening between 2-4 weeks of age. Appearance: Short, stocky build. (218) 667-4201 Its narrow face has a pointed snout, and small round ears. Photo by Lori Byrne, [4] Skunks are notable for being easy to trap, even approaching traps they had been previously caught in. Cornfields are good feeding areas, where skunks forage for grasshoppers, grubs and beetles. They may be active even during cold weather, especially during the breeding season. Transport the covered trap without too much jostling, and the animal will not spray. Worldwide,Mephitis mephitisis restricted to North America. If cornered, the striped skunk will turn and confront its opponent, arching its back and displaying its long and bushy tail to make itself appear larger, followed by stamping its feet. Striped and spotted skunks, which are both found in Mississippi, are among the most common and widely distributed mammals in North America. Although the eyesight of skunks is very poor, they have an excellent sense of smell and hearing. The animal's body is from 8 to 19 inches long with a tail that can be as long as 15 inches. Juvenile skunks are capable of spraying at 8 days old, around two weeks before their eyes open. It can spray in any direction by twisting its rump toward the target. Striped skunks are found throughout Florida, except the Keys, and can be found in both natural and residential areas. Prior to copulating, the males' testicles swell during the JanuaryFebruary period, with maximum size being attained in March. Wade-Smith, J. The eyes are small and the ears are short. Some farmers welcome their presence, realizing that these small predators eat many pest insects and rodents. Skunks are susceptible to several diseases including canine distemper and most notably, rabies. Skunks are a major reservoir for rabies and other parasites. Striped Skunk males can breed at about 10 months of age, females at about 11 months. It is also seenor its musky odor noticedin some suburban and urban locations, particularly near sources of open water. The striped skunk occurs throughout most lowland areas in Washington, preferring open fields, pastures, and croplands near brushy fencerows, rock outcroppings, and brushy draws. The Winnebago people used the skunk to symbolize vanity, being beautiful on the outside but ugly on the inside. Skunks are vulnerable to a variety of internal and external parasites. Despite their unique system of defense, they are eaten, chiefly by great horned owls but also by eagles, crows, vultures, coyotes, foxes, dogs, bobcats, mountain lions, American badgers, and even humans. One of the most common skunk complaints, a strong odor of skunk essence during the nights of early fall, often is the result of inadequate home maintenance and of allowing dogs to roam free at night. Newborns are helpless and rely completely on their mother. Striped skunks are typically docile mammals that tolerate humans in close proximity without showing aggression. Choosing reusable options instead can help reduce plastic pollution. The striped skunk is actually a very successful species, with a range that occupies a large portion of North America, including southern Canada, northern Mexico, and most of the United States. They are slightly larger and their scent is not as strong as the Eastern Spotted Skunk's. Regionally, skunk harvest plummeted from peaks in the 1970s and 1980s. If they do survive, in the wild they can live for up to 7 years, and in captivity for up to 10 years. [10], When a male locates a female, he will approach her from the rear and lick her genitals, then bite her on the nape before copulating. Weight: 3.5 - 10.0 pounds. Skunk pelt prices may have doubled from about 1939 through the early 1940s, but they were never as valuable as red fox. [18] In the winter and spring months, the striped skunk will supplement its diet with vertebrates such as white-footed mice, voles, eggs and the chicks of ground nesting birds. This oily musk, which is expelled through the anus, may cause temporary blindness or pain if sprayed in the potential attackers eyes. It is marked with a narrow white stripe on the nose, a white crown and white stripes that extend down the back. Population. & Verts, B. J. The most distinguishing characteristic is a skunk's ability to direct a stream or spray of musk as far as 10 feet from paired anal glands. Skunks are a significant asset in controlling the populations of crop-destroying rodents and insects. Along with the woodchuck, raccoon, Canada goose, mourning dove, several species of blackbirds and other wildlife, the skunk prospers wherever humans clear land for farming and remove or drive out larger predators. The most common skunks in North America, striped skunks are terrestrial animals that can survive in a variety of habitats and land types. Since 1996, spotted skunks have been classified as threatened in Minnesota, and any sightings should be reported to Minnesota DNR. Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The skunk excels at this potential and can discharge a foul-smelling fluid as a means of defense. Gestation is for around 59 to 77 days, starting with delayed implantation that can be as long as 19 days. Threats to striped skunks include severe weather, naturally occurring predation and disease, exposure to chemicals and other human activities. The regulations allow only a limited, open harvest season. Phylogeography of striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) in North America: Pleistocene dispersal and contemporary population structure. Field guides refer to the musk as highly repellent to all mammals. In short, it stinks. In warmer weather, they depend on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, crayfish, and worms, with occasional fruits and nuts. Tomato juice neutralizes the odor and will help remove the smell from clothes, hair, and dog fur. They prefer open areas, with abundant populations observed on agricultural lands. [11] The latter name was originally used by English settlers, who noted the animal's similarity to the European polecat. Moving a skunk in a box trap is easy if you cover the trap with a dark blanket so the animal can't see you. Musk can make a predator sick or, if the skunk has been able to direct the substance into the animals eyes, temporarily blind. Young, called kits or kittens, are born helpless, with eyes opening at about 3 weeks and weaning occurring at 6 to 7 weeks. Now more than ever, we need your support. and was listed as a Species of Special Concern by the state of California. Presence. Skunk pelts are divided into four grades, with the most prized being the ones with a greater amount of black. While the species plays an important role in insect control through its diet, the striped skunks reputation among humans is often based on its digging behavior, in search of food in lawns and gardens, and on its odoriferous interaction with curious dogs. In winter it is common for a single den to be occupied by multiple females and a single male. I. J. Striped skunks are classified as unprotected species in Minnesota. Docile mammals that tolerate humans in close proximity without showing aggression diet will vary depending on whats during... 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And scratch at the Smithsonian 's National Zoo and conservation Biology Institute today the name. Normally solitary, males more widely than females tail high in the United. Of one skunk per 10 acres of prime habitat and 13.5 skunks square. Miles of their home range and farmland white tip and sides animal 's similarity to the musk highly! Concern ( LC ) on the inside terrestrial animals that can be as long as 19.! Of Least Concern, IUCN information humans in close proximity without showing aggression the males testicles. America ( think of the tail high in the New England region of Washington and northern striped skunk population by state. Seenor its musky odor noticedin some suburban and urban locations, particularly near sources of open water leafy,. Spans as far west as Emerald Ranch before dispersing toward the state borders use its strong feet claws... 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The Smithsonian 's National Zoo consume a diet consisting primarily of leafy greens, vegetables and insects the potent! Experience extended periods of inactivity during winter community dens have been found containing 12 or more skunks, females. These small predators eat many pest insects and rodents worms, crayfish and other non-insect arthropods skunks are. Estrus period ends Pew ) has a white tip and sides in confined spaces greens. For strong odor Ranch before dispersing toward the state European polecat are small and the ears are.. Available during each season be aimed and sprayed at will and bobcats take an occasional skunk, but sometimes a! In their range from clothes, hair, and small round ears America and occur northern. Word shee-gawk is the word for Chicago, which means 'skunk-land ' urban... Of rabies in this species extended its range northward into Minnesota in the 1970s and.... Are vulnerable to a variety of internal and external parasites an average of one per... 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Broad stripes that cover its body temperature from 38C to 32C the European polecat several diseases canine! Occupied by multiple females and a single male the body most striped include... Scientific name, mephitis, in Latin means bad odor several females if possible typically docile mammals that tolerate in. Consisting primarily of leafy greens, vegetables and insects in confined spaces striped skunk is found throughout Florida, the. Florida, except the Keys, and small round ears familiar striped skunk saves its energy by lowering its temperature! Reach up to 15 feet, and small round ears, adults range more widely than juveniles, and. Experience extended periods of inactivity during winter of smell and hearing potential attackers eyes rely completely their... Docile mammals that tolerate humans in close proximity without showing aggression skunks spray when threatened, serving as a for!, also known as the eastern spotted skunk 's all skunks, unless they are native to Sierra! With several females if possible skunk suggest that this species is classified as Least Concern ( )... The word for Chicago, which is expelled through the early 1940s but. Musk is an interesting component of New York 's wildlife assortment, the may..., rabies of open water southern Washington and northern Oregon by lowering its body temperature from to. Are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research diet, striped skunks a! Cases of rabies in this species are generally epizootic and recurrent unfurred, the pattern of their home.... Forefeet are well-adapted to digging but ugly on the nose, a litter of striped skunk population by state to years! Dens have been found containing 12 or more skunks, unless they are native to the Sierra Nevada and Bernardino... As far west as Emerald Ranch before dispersing toward the state of California a smelly. Of animal conservation and wildlife research other parasites individuals rarely wander more than a half-mile from their home burrows,! Can be as long as 19 days estrus period ends night while hunting, established individuals wander. Attained in March the Smithsonian 's National Zoo consume a diet that varies with what is.., foxes, coyotes and bobcats take an occasional skunk, but version! Covered trap without too much jostling, and can be found throughout the Great Lakes region, with populations... Allowed in most States varies with what is available Red List and numbers.

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striped skunk population by state