NCC is working to protect these habitats where striped skunk live. Striped skunk is common throughout most of southern Canada and can be found on NCC properties across the country, expect Newfoundland and Labrador. What is NCC doing to protect this species? Skunks are not known to harm humans, but will spray if they feel threatened. Humans should keep their distance from this species if they encounter it. However, it is a species that, like raccoons and coyotes, has adapted to human-dominated landscapes and occurs throughout our cities and farms. Striped skunk is common throughout its range in North America. Skunks breed between February and March and usually give birth to - on average - four to six kits per litter in early May. In urban settings, they may find shelter under porches and in cellars. Although they can dig their own dens, striped skunks usually live in the abandoned burrows of other species, such as fox. They are known to prefer open areas, such as mixed forests and grasslands, but can also be found living in urban areas. This species was introduced on PEI by fur farmers in 1915 and are now a well-established species on the island. In Canada, striped skunks can be found in ever province except Newfoundland and Labrador. A skunk’s summer diet is mainly insects, including grasshoppers, crickets and insect larvae. Their diet consists of plants, eggs and small mammals, such as ground squirrels, mice, shrews and juvenile rabbits. Striped skunks are omnivores and eat a wide variety of foods. They have two glands, each about the size of a grape, that secrete an oily, yellow musk, when sprayed, can reach up to six metres and be smelled from over one kilometre away. Since they are unable to outrun predators due to their small legs, skunks rely on their scent glands to scare off potential attackers. They have short legs, with semi-webbed toes with long claws. On average, striped skunks weight 3.25 kilograms and can measure up to 80 centimetres long, including their tail. This species is easily recognized by white markings that run from its tail down to the thin stripe on its nose, with two white lines along its body. However, skunks will not spray in small spaces, including within the confines of their dens. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would help us find out and give states the funding needed to take preventative action on behalf of the declining spotted skunk and other species headed toward extinction.One of Canada’s most common mammals, striped skunks are known mainly by their ability to spray sulfur-containing chemicals strong enough to ward off bears and other predators. They are finding that the secretive skunks favor forests thick with vegetation where their broken markings help them hide from predators like great-horned owls.Īre the skunks losing habitat or is there something else going on? These wildlife sleuths have also put up trail cameras to collect data. Why are eastern spotted skunks declining, while striped skunks are thriving? With limited dollars and partnerships, state wildlife biologists in Virginia are tracking 11 spotted skunks around den sites in burrows, hollow logs and tree cavities, and following nighttime forays. Different species of skunk vary in appearance from black-and-white to. Spotted skunks are unique in that they stand on their front paws, balancing with bodies and tails straight up, and sometimes even charge their opponents while upside down! Solving the Mysterious Decline Skunks, also called polecats in America, are mammals known for their ability to spray a liquid with a strong odor. If facing or fleeing a perceived predator, skunks are famously known for releasing a foul-smelling musk in the direction of the threat. Please tell your member of Congress to support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Legislation now in Congress can change that. And there is even less assistance for state-led recovery efforts to help animals like spotted skunks recover before they become an endangered species. Photo by Damon Lesmeister, Research Wildlife Biologist, USDA Forest Service.īut even though these skunks have declined by as much as 90 percent in some parts of their range, there is very little support for local wildlife biologists to find out why. Known to be good mousers and helpful in controlling insects, the eastern spotted skunk is particularly welcomed on farms. Ranging all over Oklahoma, this animal is respected by many because. The species of skunk that literally stands on its front paws when threatened is quickly vanishing from its historic range across our central, eastern, and southern states. The smell filling your nose is the musk spray of the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis).
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