Biology, Reproduction, and Behavior
Breeding for adult skunks starts during late February. Younger females mate in late March and gestation usually lasts 7 to 10 weeks. Females that are older start to bear young during May. Skunks normally have 1 liter per year, commonly consisting of 4 to 6 young, but can be from 2 to 16 in rare cases. The older the skunk generally the larger the litter size. Skunks can grow as old as 10 years but normally only live to 3 in the wild.
Habitat
In the wild skunks can be found in clearings, pastures, and open lands bordering forests. skunks seek cover in the thickets and light timber along small streams. The look to den in hollow logs or may den in trees or hollow limbs.
Food
Skunks mainly eat plants and insects and grubs. They eat the same during Fall and Winter. They eat much larger amounts of insects and grubs during the Summer and Spring because they are more available. Skunks also eat small rodents during the winter and can eat small mammals when food sources are low.
Preventing Skunks on your property
The main way to prevent skunks is to remove what draws them into your house. Make sure to keep garbage organized and in a proper container that cannot be opened or knocked over. Skunks are drawn in to areas such as barns or shed that may hold populations of rodents. Control rodent populations is a good way to prevent skunks by eliminating attraction. Also large piles of debris can attract skunks to create den sites. Clearing the area can prevent the skunks from finding a desirable area to live.
Breeding for adult skunks starts during late February. Younger females mate in late March and gestation usually lasts 7 to 10 weeks. Females that are older start to bear young during May. Skunks normally have 1 liter per year, commonly consisting of 4 to 6 young, but can be from 2 to 16 in rare cases. The older the skunk generally the larger the litter size. Skunks can grow as old as 10 years but normally only live to 3 in the wild.
Habitat
In the wild skunks can be found in clearings, pastures, and open lands bordering forests. skunks seek cover in the thickets and light timber along small streams. The look to den in hollow logs or may den in trees or hollow limbs.
Food
Skunks mainly eat plants and insects and grubs. They eat the same during Fall and Winter. They eat much larger amounts of insects and grubs during the Summer and Spring because they are more available. Skunks also eat small rodents during the winter and can eat small mammals when food sources are low.
Preventing Skunks on your property
The main way to prevent skunks is to remove what draws them into your house. Make sure to keep garbage organized and in a proper container that cannot be opened or knocked over. Skunks are drawn in to areas such as barns or shed that may hold populations of rodents. Control rodent populations is a good way to prevent skunks by eliminating attraction. Also large piles of debris can attract skunks to create den sites. Clearing the area can prevent the skunks from finding a desirable area to live.
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