Skunks also have to leave the den at least once in winter to empty their scent glands, so I’m told. In these cold months, only a few insects and prey are available which causes skunks to feed on plants such as corn, cherries, grapes, and berries, which emerge in winter. Since skunks do not hibernate, they have to be able to find food sources throughout the year, which can be difficult during winter months. Though skunks prefer a diet of animal matter, their usual food sources are not as plentiful in fall and winter as they are in spring and summer. These are likely to be some of the questions you earnestly long for their answers as a skunk keeper or intending keeper – or a disgruntled skunk-plagued home owner! Adult skunks breed in late February to late March. By November or December these little animals select a deep den to sleep the winter away. Winter eating habits of skunks. This makes surviving easier when there is heat to share. Skunks don’t hoard food in their dens. What about their babies? During the coldest times, they will stay in their dens and enter a state of torpor. With their gentle nature, however, skunks can spend the winter in groups of a dozen or more. How do they even search for food and do they have feeding habits? Plants are usually eaten when food is scarce. But skunks need shelter when they are most vulnerable (during the coldest parts of the winter and when raising young). ... During the fall and winter months when food options are limited they sometimes adapt to a plant-based diet. Since they don’t stockpile food, skunks will … How to Avoid Skunks? This binge eating creates thick layers of fat underneath the skin– a winter jacket, of sorts. Striped skunks do not hibernate during the winter. If you know the answer to this question, please register to join our limited beta program and start the conversation right now! Nutrition and Diet. Do they hibernate? Skunks are foragers, so they can typically be found looking for insects and small animals like worms, frogs or snakes or any berries, nuts and roots that they can find amidst the snow. During cold snaps and harsh weather, they stay in their dens. During colder months, skunks still eat whatever insects and small prey they can find, but nonetheless adapt to a plant-based diet. Skunks are omnivorous – eating both plant and animal foods. During the winter months, you may notice that you don’t seem to smell that infamous skunk odor the way that you do during the summer. Skunks do not hibernate, but they will remain inactive while it is cold. Skunks build dens in almost the same areas, but do not climb into trees. ... a spotted skunk will do a handstand on its front paws and aim its tail without taking its eyes off its attacker. Rats, rabbits, and other small mammals are eaten as a last resort, and skunks occasionally kill poultry to eat their eggs.