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. They can hit a target accurately up to 6 ft., but their smell can be detected up to 0. 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. Skunks use their musk as protection from potential predators. However, skunks will not spray in small spaces, including within the confines of their dens. 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.
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