February through March is mating season for striped, hog-nosed, and hooded skunks, and that translates into “skunk smell.” The stink occurs when males try to court females who may not be “in the mood.” When that happens, female skunks generate an aroma to repel their rejected suitors. The only skunk species that is listed as Vulnerable is the pygmy spotted skunk of western Mexico, which has lost about 30 percent of its population over the past several years. Home Range, Movements, and Habitat Utilization of Striped Skunk ( Mephitis mephitis ) in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada: Disease Management Implications FACT: the srtiped skunk seems to be aware of the repulsiveness of its own odor, it will not spray in confined spaces or in their own dens Striped skunk-mephitis mephitis, weight 3.25kg, length 57.5-80cm, life 3 years in the wild, 15 in captivity. The most common and recognized skunk species in North America is the striped skunk, whose range extends from the southern half of Canada to the northernmost parts of Mexico, covering most of the continental United States. Skunk Geography. Range elevation sea level to 4,200 m to ft; Average elevation sea level to 1,800 m ft; Physical Description. Each striped skunk has a unique stripe pattern! Summer home ranges of 83 to 1860 acres have been reported for skunks in Illinois. Journal of Zoology, 251(4), 525-533. Striped skunk sizes vary greatly depending upon time of year and geographic location, with weights fluctuating between 1.5 and 13 pounds (0.7 to 6.3 kg), and total length varying between 18 and 32 inches (46.5 to 81.5 cm). Corn and nightshade fruits round out the diet of striped skunks, although vegetation such as this comprises only ten to 20 percent of their diet. When a skunk is kept as a pet, its scent glands are often surgically removed. The stripes usually meet again and form one stripe at the base of the skunk's tail. Skunks search for food along established routes and have a home range of less than 2 miles. A total of 28 Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were fitted with radio-transmitters and their movements were monitored in Scarborough (Toronto), Ontario, in 1986 and 1987. Mean annual home range size … If you know the answer to this question, please register to join our limited beta program and start the conversation right now! Striped Skunk. But the truth is, skunks have specific home ranges where they are adapted to living. Skunks usually begin foraging after dark and are back in their dens before daylight. Striped skunk-mephitis mephitis, weight length life 3 years in the wild, 15 in captivity. The stripes start with a triangle at the head and break into two stripes down the skunk's back. Their natural habitat is open areas or open areas bordered by forests, grasslands, and agricultural lands. With overall black pelage, they have a thin, white stripe along the center-top of their snout and forehead as well as a … Winter home ranges tend to be smaller than summer home ranges since skunks … Variables determined to influence home‐range size were season and body weight: skunks … The striped skunk is easily identified by the white stripes that run from its head to its tail. As … The tail is usually a mixture of white and black fur. They prefer open areas with a variety of habitats and inhabit a range of areas from wooded areas to riparian canyons, preferring habitats that are thick and brushy.