We have a pair of striped skunk sisters here at Paignton Zoo. You can find the pint-sized pair in their exhibit next to Wild With Us and the meerkats.
Striped skunks are native to North America and are commonly found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. They are mostly nocturnal and solitary animals, known for their distinctive black-and-white striped fur and their infamous defense mechanism – a powerful spray used to deter predators.
They are omnivores, feeding on a varied diet that includes insects, small mammals, fruits, and plants.
Interesting facts!
- Striped skunks are best known for their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid from glands near their tail. This spray can reach up to 3 metres and is used as a last resort when threatened.
- Despite their reputation, skunks are generally non-aggressive and will give warning signs like stamping their feet or raising their tail before spraying.
- They have excellent senses of smell and hearing, but relatively poor eyesight.
- Skunks are important for pest control, as they eat many insects and rodents.
Conservation
Striped skunks are currently not considered threatened and are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, they face risks from habitat loss, road traffic, and human-wildlife conflict. Public education and safe wildlife corridors can help reduce these threats and support healthy skunk populations.