

Mustela mephitis
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Status: Nationally a valuable fur animal.
Individual pelts are not very valuable but tremendous numbers are taken.
Very abundant nongame animal.
Identifying Characteristics: About the size of a house
cat. Well-developed scent glands that emit a very strong odor. Often
the presence of a skunk is first detected by its odor. Black body, narrow
white stripe on middle of the forehead, broad white area on nape that usually
divides into a V at the shoulders. Great variation in color pattern and
size of stripes. Total length: 20 to 28 inches. Weights: 6 to 14
pounds.
Habitat: Lives in a variety of habitats including
semi-open country, mixed woods, brushland, and open prairie. Most abundant
in agricultural areas where there is ample food and cover. Usually absent
where water table is too high for making round dens.
Food Habits: An opportunistic, omnivorous, predatory
feeder. Consumes mice, insects, eggs, berries, and carrion. Diet
varies greatly depending on season and geographic location. From November
through April, when food is scarce or unavailable, skunks spend extended periods
in their dens.
Life
History: Mostly nocturnal and does not hibernate. Uses ground burrows,
abandoned or occupied building foundations, and wood or rock piles as den sites.
Will use dens created by other animals. When frightened or threatened,
sprays a strong and long-lasting musk produced by anal scent glands.
Mating occurs during February and April; 59 to 77 days gestation; may exhibit
delayed implantation; young born during May or June; 5 to 6 young is the usual
litter size.
Similar Species: A few specimens of the spotted skunk
have been captured in Montana. The spotted skunk has a black spot on
forehead, one under each ear, and four broken white stripes along neck, back,
and sides.
Further Information
