Striped skunks are typically solitary animals except when breeding. They prefer to live in burrows but will also use hollowed logs, rock and brush piles, or the underside of buildings. Although skunks don’t hibernate, during the winter they will sleep in their dens, which are typically lined with dry leaves and grass, to escape the cold weather.
Skunks are known for their odor. To protect themselves from predators, they will do a warning display where they stomp their feet, arch their back, and raise their tail. If this doesn’t work, they will spray with their scent or musk gland. The musk is meant to be an irritant to the senses and leave behind a strong odor.
Fun Fact:
Only the great horned owl preys regularly on the skunk as it is unable to smell the musk and is the only owl large enough to do so.
Conservation Rating:
Common
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