Striped Skunk
After being deemed non-releasable by a wildlife rehabilitator due to their habituation to humans, Rosalind and Enrico joined The Zoo in 2023. They love investigating new toys and enrichment items in their enclosure.
Scientific name
Mephitis mephitis
Lifespan
Up to 7 years
Range
Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Diet
The majority of a striped skunk's diet is made up of insects. However, they will also eat fruits, small rodents, and eggs.
Social Structure
Because their spray is such an effective defense mechanism, they have few predators in the wild. Baby skunks, known as kits, are raised in dens and become independent after only 2.5 months.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Threats in the Wild
Striped skunk populations are stable in the wild. They are vulnerable to minor threats, including severe weather and chemical exposure.
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