Where’s Wildlife · Mammal Field Guide
Mephitis mephitis
Pronounced (approx.): meh-FY-tis meh-FY-tis
A mostly nocturnal omnivore with bold markings and a well-known defensive scent.
Striped Skunk. Select the image to browse all 5 photographs.
NATIVE TO NORTH AMERICA
Black coat with white back markings
Broad, bushy tail
Short legs and a small head
Compare views, markings and body shapes in the photographs below.
Striped Skunks typically have black fur with a white stripe on the face and broad white markings that divide along the back. The amount of white varies from animal to animal. A full, bushy tail and low body shape complete the familiar outline.
Do not expect every individual to have two identical, narrow stripes. Some show much more white than others. Compare the entire pattern, body shape and local species possibilities rather than using stripe width alone.
Skunks search for insects and other small animals and also eat fruit and additional plant foods. Their digging can expose prey beneath the soil surface. They use a mixture of open feeding areas and nearby cover in both rural and settled landscapes.
Activity is usually greatest at night. A sheltered den provides a place to rest and raise young. When threatened, a skunk may display warning behavior before using its scent defense; watching from a distance avoids crowding the animal.
The amount of white is not identical on every skunk.
Strong forefeet help uncover food.
Both animal and plant foods are used.
The Striped Skunk is widespread in North America. Woodland borders, grasslands and human-altered habitats can all support it when food and shelter are available.
Explore reported sightings on iNaturalist. Observation records are not a complete range map.