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Striped Skunk

Mephitis mephitis
Striped skunk Palmer looks to the righthand side

Striped Skunk

Mephitis mephitis
Other Common Names
Common Skunk, Polecat
At the Aquarium
Presentation Spaces
Other Common Names
Common Skunk, Polecat

At the Aquarium

Presentation Spaces

Appearance

Striped skunks are about the size of a house cat. They have pointed triangular heads with a round, slightly upturned nose, small black eyes and short, round ears.They have short legs and large, bushy tails. Long claws on their front feet help them dig.

This species is easily recognizable by its black and white fur pattern. As their name suggests, they have white on the top of their heads and on the nape of their necks, which extends down their backs as two narrow stripes. Some individuals also have white on the top and sides of their tails. Many individuals may also have a light yellowish or light orangish hue to their white patterns.

Striped skunks range from 22 to 32 inches in length and weigh 2 ½ to 9 pounds.

Habitat

Variety of habitats including woods, plains, and desert. Can also be found around suburban areas

Diet

Depends on season and geographic location, but they mostly eat insects such as grasshoppers and beetles. When insects are not available they will eat small mammals, birds, or vegetation.

Life History

Female striped skunks may use the burrow of another animal. Their dens, which may have multiple entrances, are often situated on a slope with good drainage.

Males can be territorial and mutually avoid one another. Females move freely through the territories of one or more males. Striped skunks begin breeding in February and continue through March. Females are pregnant for about 63 days before giving birth. They typically have 4 to 5 young but can have as many as 10. At birth, striped skunks weigh about an ounce.

Baby striped skunks have pinkish skin covered with very short, fine hairs. Their eyes begin after about 3 weeks. After a month their hair has filled in and they can emit small amounts of spray. At 2 months old, the skunklets follow their mother out of the den. The young become self-sufficient by about the middle of August but the family stays together throughout the winter. Breeding begins once the striped skunk reaches 1 to 2 years old.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

The striped skunk often appears in stories and traditions of Native Americans. They are portrayed in a variety of roles including tricksters, healers and guides.

Striped skunks are prey for large carnivores including great horned owls, pumas and coyotes.

During the 20th century fur trade striped skunk pelts were considered valuable commodities.
Range
Found in most of southern Canada from British Columbia, Hudson Bay, and Nova Scotia and throughout the United States into northern Mexico.
On the Oregon Coast
The striped skunk lives in suitable habitats throughout Oregon, preferring more open areas.
Fun Facts
The genus name Mephitis in Latin means “bad odor.” The striped skunk uses a potent spray from their anal glands as a defense mechanism. Before spraying, striped skunks typically give warnings, like raising their tail and stomping their feet.

Striped skunks are usually more active beginning about an hour after sunset, remaining active throughout the night. Much of their prey is captured by digging but they also hunt by lying in wait and pouncing on their prey.
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Citations & Other Resources

  • Helgen, K. and F. Reid. 2016. Mephitis mephitis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016
  • Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. N.d. Striped skunk. https://myodfw.com/wildlife-viewing/species/striped-skunk
  • Maser, C. 1998. Mammals of the Pacific Northwest : from the coast to the high Cascades. Oregon State University Press.
  • Allen, M. L., A.M. Green, and R.J. Moll. 2022. Habitat productivity and anthropogenic development drive rangewide variation in striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) abundance. Global Ecology and Conservation, 39, Article e02300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02300
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Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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