Striped Skunk
Scientific name: Mephitis mephitis
Habitat: desert, woodlands, grassy plains, and suburbs
Diet: roots, shoots, berries, insects, mice, frogs, bird's eggs
Life span: 1-3 years
Young: 2-10, usually 4-7 young
Size: 1.2-5.3 kg (2.6-11.6 lbs)
A skunk can spray their offensive odour up to 4.5 m (15 ft) which can be smelled 1.6 km (1 mile) away. Most animals learn to recognize a skunk's striped pattern and avoid it, although occasionally coyotes, foxes and bobcats prey on them.
Skunks do not hibernate, although in northern regions, they may spend several weeks being inactive in their underground dens.
Learn more about this species:
These are some other websites that we think have more great information about this species.
Striped skunk on Animal Diversity Web
For More Information
Edmonton Valley Zoo
13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue)
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2R7
| attractions@edmonton.ca |
