Photo by D.W.Lay courtesy of TPWD

Striped Skunk
Mephitis mephitis

Description: The Striped Skunk is about the size of a domestic cat, with two white stripes running along each side of the back from neck to tail. Their characteristic skunk musk is emitted from two large scent glands near the base of the tail.

Life History: Striped Skunks are nocturnal omnivores. Insects form the bulk of their diet, but they will eat reptiles, small mammals, birds, and vegetation. Their breeding period begins in February or March. The young are born in May, with average litters consisting of five or six offspring. Their lifespan is seldom more than two years in the wild, but they have been known to live fifteen years in captivity. Like humans, most predators avoid skunks because of the odor of their musk.

Habitat: The skunk is found in wooded or brushy areas and agricultural clearings. They prefer taking shelter under rocky outcrops or boulders or burrows made by animals of similar size. If necessary, they will use their long front claws to create a den. A well-situated den may house several individuals.

Distribution: Striped skunks are found throughout much of North America, ranging from central Canada, throughout the United States, and south into northern Mexico.

Resources:

Animal Diversity Web

Museum of Texas Tech

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department