Skunk Facts

Skunks belong to the Mustelidae family, with other otters and polecats. Skunks are closely related to badgers, otters and weasels. There are 13 species of skunks.

Skunks are found in North America in the woods, grassland desert and even urban areas. A skunk’s body measures 11-19.3 inches long and their tail can be 6.3-17 inches.

Skunks defend themselves from enemies by squirting them with a strong-smelling liquid. The liquid is secreted from glands under the skunks tail. The stench is often so bad the squirted victim may have difficulty breathing. The liquid burns the attackers skin, stings their eyes, and can temporarily blind a predator. Skunks can spray from ten feet away.

Skunks will often warn their enemies before they spray, sometimes they will hold their tail straight up, or they will make hissing sounds and stamp the ground with their front paws.

Skunks are omnivores, they eat fruit, worms, insects, fish, snakes, birds, and small animals.

The Horned Owl is one of the only animals not put off by the skunk’s smell.

Skunks give birth in a den or burrow usually in April or May. Litters may be as many as nine skunk babies. Skunks babies are born blind and completely helpless. At one month of age the black and white fur is visible, and two weeks later they are able to spray.

Skunks live up to 6 years.

About the Author
Jacob Maddox manages content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com an educational wildlife and animal website. Jacob also guest writes for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net