A significant part of people knows about a skunk only that it is the most foul-smelling animal in the world. It is for this reason that it is rarely seen in zoos. However, few people know that these cute animals are so harmless that they could very well become pets.
There are several types of skunks:
- dwarf (or spotted);
- striped;
- porcupine (porcine);
- Mexican;
- smelly (probe);
- half-strip;
- South American;
- Humbolt Skunk.
Basically, they are the same in color, but have small distinctive characteristics. More common is the striped skunk.
Homeland of Striped Skunk and Habitat
So, a skunk is an animal that can be easily recognized by white stripes (spots) on black wool. The homeland of this small predator is the territory of North America. Its habitat covers a significant part of the continent. It also occurs in Canada. The only exceptions are Hawaii and Alaska. It prefers to rise to a height of about 2 thousand meters above sea level, but some representatives of the species can climb high into the mountains or just live in meadows and forests.
If you still do not know where the skunk lives and in what places its burrows may appear, then you should take a closer look at the secluded corners of settlements and territories with water bodies.
The animal willingly settles near garbage cans, in the backyards, disguises its burrows in the bushes, at the edges, as well as on the rocky slopes. Spends the night in dry inconspicuous places and often chooses another's hole dug by other animals of the same size. Where the skunk lives, there is always a lot of midges, grass, and even waste of human food. There must also be access to water.
What does a striped skunk look like?
This species is quite easy to distinguish by wide stripes of white along the black back. They stretch from the head to the very tip of the tail, which is very fluffy. The weight of a striped predator averages no more than 5 kg, but before winter hibernation a layer of fat accumulates under the skin of the animal. The tail is slightly longer than the body itself - about 40 cm. Often the males are slightly larger than the females, the paws of the animals are short, and the muzzle is elongated. The ears are small, rounded. Fluffy fur is not at all soft, as it might seem at first glance.
The contrasting color of the skunk is designed to scare off the enemy and is noticeable from afar. She signals that her carrier is able to protect herself.
Skunk Food
If you pay attention, it will not be difficult to find out what the skunk eats. These good-natured animals are unpretentious in food, and their menu is quite diverse. They are able to dig out the useful roots with their long curved claws and rake the foliage. Willingly absorb berries, nuts, grass, fruits, vegetables, seeds and other vegetation. But the main diet is insects. Also, these striped predators can ruin their nests by eating the eggs of birds, catch small rodents, frogs, and occasionally fish. Do not disdain animals and carrion. They swarm in garbage bins and in landfills, looking for waste of human food. They go hunting mainly at night and rely completely on their hearing and sense of smell, since they are not distinguished by good eyesight.
It is worth noting that skunks even eat coprophages that swarm in their feces.
How to breed
The age of puberty in skunks begins at the age of 11 months. In the spring, a male who is able to collect a peculiar harem takes an active part in mating games. And after the fertilization of the partner, he continues to live his life and no longer takes part in the care of the offspring. Since striped skunks are inherently single animals, males can live with females in the same hole only in the winter - they unite to survive.
Bear animals of babies for 66 days. As soon as it is possible to find a suitable hole or hole, the animal begins to cover it with fine dry foliage and grass, various debris, because where the skunk lives, it should be warm and dry. Cubs are born blind, defenseless and feed on breast milk for up to 6-8 weeks. Three weeks later they open their eyes, can already move a little, and starting from the 5th week of life they make sorties from the hole, however, together with their mother. During the walk, they actively learn, copy the habits of older relatives. Babies remain in the family until the next mating season.
It is worth noting that small offspring are able to fend for themselves already from 4 months of age.
Skunks lifestyle
Skunks live in a sluggish, calm mode, which is why many people think that these animals are lazy. They are rather slow and rarely run. The speed of their movement does not exceed 10 km / h. The animals swim well and are not at all adapted for climbing. They sleep during the day, and go at night to look for food. In the wild, these predators live for about 6-8 years, and even longer at home.
It is noteworthy that skunks do not run away from their enemies, because they have a special protective tool that allows them to scare away.
How skunks defend
Nature has endowed skunks with a unique means of protection in the form of an unpleasant odor. Feeling the danger, the animal begins to spray the fetid liquid contained in special anal glands. The first time is considered a warning, and if the enemy did not begin to retreat, the skunk becomes a rack on the front paws, sets the hind legs, then takes aim and makes 7-8 accurate shots in the eyes. In this case, the animal practically does not miss. The range of such "chemical weapons" is up to 4 meters. The smell of a skunk vaguely resembles a mixture of garlic with rotten cabbage, rubber and burnt feathers. In addition, the ingress of fluid on the mucous membranes causes a strong burning sensation, since it contains butyl mercaptan, ethyl mercaptan and other natural compounds.
It is worth noting that the “aroma” is very stable, does not weather for a long time and remains even after several treatments.
Interesting Skunk Facts
- Skunks never use their weapons in fights with representatives of their kind.
- Striped skunks (compared to other animals of the same size) are ten times better tolerated by the bites of poisonous snakes.
- The Skunks' only enemy is the Virginian Eagle Owl. He hunts them at night and calmly ignores the odorous secret of the animal.
- In order to feast on a poisonous frog, bees or caterpillars, skunks roll their paws on the ground. This helps to get rid of spikes on the skin of prey, stings, etc.
- Animals can not resist sweet honey - after finding a hive, they eat not only honey, but also the bees themselves with honeycombs.
In fact, skunks are very cute animals and can very well become pets if they previously remove the anal glands containing a secret with an unpleasant odor.
Some people like such animals so much that they willingly hang skunk photos in the house.
