SKUNKS!

Mephitis Mephitis

GENERAL INFO: The common striped skunk in Florida is found throughout North America. It can vary in size from 2.5 to 14 pounds and can range from 13 to 18 inches long, excluding its bushy tail which can be 7 to 10 inches in length. Its most distinguishing features are its broad white stripe coloration on its body and bushy tale. At the base of its bushy tail lies a potent defensive spray weapon.

THREAT: Everyone knows about a skunk's infamous habit of spraying liquid stink on anyone and any animal it deems an immediate threat. However, skunks are very reluctant to use their spray, as they only have enough supply on hand for 5 to 6 uses and the skunk itself does not like the smell. While being sprayed is a most unpleasant experience, skunks pose other risks that are just as or more serious than its smell. Skunks are common carriers for rabies. Pets can be bitten by skunks and pass along the disease to humans. Skunks are also omnivorous, opportunistic eaters and have been known to go through human garbage searching for edibles, leaving a big mess to clean up. Skunks also may inhabit and/or construct inconvenient burrows on your property.

REMOVAL / PREVENTION: Skunks need to be live trapped and removed carefully. Once the population has been removed from your area, the sites where they were staying should be closed to prevent future use. Other potential den sites should be limited as well.

IMAGES: Click for larger image.

SPECIES CAPACITIES

Physical Strength:

Resilience:

Speed:

Aggressiveness:

Health Threat:

Property Threat:

Breeding / Propagation:

GEOGRAPHIC RANGE

AVG. BREEDING RATE

x 10 Annually

DID YOU KNOW?

Because skunks do not like the smell of their own spray weapons, they will never deploy them in confined spaces or their own dens.

Though not true hibernators, skunks do hibernate by fattening up during the summer and going into slumber in their burrows for the winter.