Diseases/Rabies . Homeowners who live in a country setting will likely find that skunks have made a den under a hollow stump or log. Coloration varies among individuals—brown, all black, and albino skunks sometimes occur—and males and females look alike, though the female is about one-fourth smaller. Skunks love a freshly tilled garden, especially an organic one with lots of compost. Skunks dig a den or will take over a den that has been abandoned by a woodchuck or fox. His homeland is believed to be the territory of the United States and the south of Canada. Skunks, easily identifiable by their characteristic black and white striping, are infamous for producing a foul odor when frightened. They can be found in many different habitats. They often live in homes other animals leave behind. Skunks are nocturnal animals and are mostly seen at dusk and dawn. Today, hunters and trappers do not typically target skunks but when caught, their fur is sold and used primarily in the trim trade. A live skunk trap is a great solution for getting rid of a resident skunk that's taken shelter in your yard. Skunks really love berries. Skunks are very docile creatures who have no intention of harming or even interacting with anything other than their food supply. Skunks can live in open prairies, brush, grasslands, woods and even in developed areas throughout their range. They are mostly active at night or dusk, hunting for plants, fruit, insects, and small vertebrates. Although a skunk’s spray is known mostly for its robust smell, it can also cause intense discomfort if it gets into a person or animal’s eyes. May 20, 2017 May 30, 2017 admintag Skunks live mainly on flat surfaces. They can live in wet and dry places. They live on the ground, and prefer open wooded areas, avoiding dense forest. Males of skunks are polygamous. How to Get Skunks to Move. Five species of skunks are found in Texas, but you probably won't ever meet one kind – the hooded skunk – unless you live in the Big Bend region. Skunks are not deft climbers and, if they fall into window wells or other holes on your property, may need assistance in getting out. They like woods, prairies, and even towns. While that is their home in nature, skunks will take home in another area if they get the opportunity. Where do skunks live ? They occasionally visit gardens and if they do, it may be because corn or other plants are close to the ground.. The animal prefers not to depart from water sources more than three meters. Some of a skunk's personality traits, such as being stubborn and headstrong, can make it a challenge to live with. Skunks live in the human world very successfully and in some areas their population has actually increased through human contact due to increased food sources. Do skunks live in groups or alone? Skunks are also skilled diggers and create deep burrows that can threaten the structures of homes and businesses. In addition to feeding and cleaning up after your skunk, expect to spend several hours per day keeping it entertained. The period … Skunks are particularly susceptible to the rabies virus, which they are then able to transmit to humans or pets. But species can be found as far and wide as Indonesia. Most skunks do not survive their first year because of infectious disease and severe weather conditions. Historically their musk was used heavily in the perfume industry. In addition to insects, spotted and striped skunks will also eat small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, crustaceans, fruits, grasses, fungus and leaves. Skunks are very adaptable animals therefore they can thrive well in many places so long as it has adequate food supply and shelter moreover, they will always look for shelter in areas that are close to water sources. If they do survive, in the wild they can live for up to 7 years, and in captivity up to 10 years. Do more skunks live in urban areas or in the wild? Since skunks live in tree hollows, there are many circumstances and distractions that could lure them out. Although skunks have very poor eyesight, they have excellent senses of smell and hearing. The females usually have one heat per year, lasting about 3 days. Where do skunks live? They like places that are hidden. Need skunk removal in your hometown? Skunks do not hibernate during the winter, and for shelter they often form communal skunk burrows under decks, porches, or buildings. Its scientific name, mephitis, in Latin means “bad odor”. Do Skunks Live In Groups Or Alone? They will also nest under houses. Where do skunks live? Up to 90% of young skunks do not survive their first winter. Skunks are furbearers meaning they can be harvested for their fur. Where do skunks live during the winter? We service over 500 USA locations! Five species of skunks live in the United States, but only the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis nigra) occurs in New England. So, during winter skunks look to live in places that can provide them enough warmth throughout the … Reproduction: Four to seven babies are … Skunks will burrow underground if no other shelters are not available to them. They are 4 types of hog nosed skunks found in North and South America, 3 types of spotted skunks found in North and Central America, 2 types of striped skunk and hooded skunk found in North America, and 2 types of stink badgers found in Southeast Asia. Let’s take a look at the habitat and distribution of the skunk. When it comes to habitat, skunks are adaptable, resourceful, opportunistic and industrious. A. Skunks are found throughout North America and in a variety of natural habitats-river bottoms, under rocks and logs, anywhere there is food, water and shelter. Skunks mate in January and February to have 4-6 baby skunks, or “kits,” per litter. For those looking for a definitive location, it is most likely to find skunks in more rural settings, and the reasons are quite easy to figure out why. The skunk claims homesteading rights from coast to coast. A skunk lives alone looking for food in a solitary manner. The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is a skunk of the genus Mephitis that occurs across most of North America, including southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. Skunks live in dens that are usually made out of nature. They don't like living in open spaces. Where do Skunks Live? Skunks can dig their own den. Where do skunks live? If you find an excavated area that you think might be a preferred skunk denning site, you can fill in some of the hole with loose dirt. That seems to make sense, but there are locations that make a lot more sense for a skunk to live in, which means that they will be found there a lot more frequently. What Are Skunks? The stump can provide a source of protection from the elements, as well as a food source if grubs or insects have made their way inside the wood. While their natural range is in the wild, skunks have grown comfortable in suburban and urban areas as well. In order to keep skunks away from homes, certain exclusion methods should be used. Skunks make their homes within two miles of a source of water, and will typically only roam no more than 0.5 to 1.5 miles from their dens. Skunks were once thought to belong to the weasel family, but recent evidence shows that they are not actually closely related to this family at all. Skunks love to take shelter in openings under porches, sheds, spaces between garages and … It is considered a Mexican species and has been seen only in Brewster, Presidio, Jeff Davis, Terrell, and Val Verde counties. Larger insects including beetles and grasshoppers have been found to be an important part of the eastern spotted skunk diet. Skunks do not typically eat young seedlings, but they will dig them up and destroy them in their quest for bugs. To do this, lay a 2 x 6 or other wide plank into the window well or hole and wait for the skunk to climb out. It is not uncommon for a skunk to only live for 3 years, though if they are domestic pets, they can live for as many as 10 years. In some places, they raid garbage bins like raccoons. This can be something like a hollow log or brush pile. A skunk's sulfuric spray has a range of up to 10 feet, and its odor can be detected up to 1.5 miles. Skunks eat wasps and honeybees, and will often attack beehives. Below are steps you can take to keep from getting sprayed: They can run as fast as 16km/h (10mph). They sleep during the day and are very sensitive to light. Locally Skunks thrive in a number of environments, woodlands, deserts, grasslands, mountain areas, and even urban fringes It is important to note that skunks do … Skunk Den Removal. It will be wandering alone usually, and if the skunks are in a group, it means that it is a mother that moves together with its babies. All that wonderful dirt is full of grubs and earthworms. In nature striped skunks live 2-3 years; In captivity – usually up to 5 years. Skunks are nocturnal animals that are naturally mild-mannered and non-aggressive; they prefer small animals and insects for dinner instead of your garden. Where do skunks naturally live? Skunks live in places that appeal to them. An animal skunk not found in Alaska and Hawaii. Skunks are cat-sized mammals from the Americas. Habitat: Skunks live in many places. For those who have had the opportunity to examine a skunk, one of the animal's distinctive features are the strong sharp claws that they have, with those on the front paws being the ones that the skunks will use when they are digging. Immune to snake venom, skunks are known to eat poisonous snakes like rattlesnakes. Because skunks are known to spray when threatened, some homeowners may hesitate to use this method, but it is one of the best methods for a stubborn animal. It is also important to keep watch during the months of January to March, as this is mating season for skunks. Skunk’s natural habitats can become compromised or destroyed for various reasons. Click here to hire us in your town and check prices - updated for year 2020. When skunks hang around a property, their presence is often hard to miss -- and not just because of their signature musky odors. Fortunately, pet skunks also tend to be sociable and playful when they grow up interacting with people. For more information, contact a WRD Game Management Office or call (770) 918-6416 Skunks are notorious diggers and will make holes in lawns in search of grubs and other food. We service over 500 USA locations! Identification. Where do skunks live? First things first, wildfires destroy a large number of trees very fast. Q. Adult skunks that live in the wild are prone to disease and do not live a very long life. Skunks are omnivores, meaning they eat animals and plants. Since they live primarily on insects, snakes, frogs, lizards, rodents, eggs, fruits, vegetation and even carrion, they are very useful creatures to have in our environment. Click here to hire us in your town and check prices - updated for year 2020. Skunks are largely native to both North and South America, including the Bahamas. Since skunks tend to be active during the winter – although, in a dormant state, they need to keep themselves warm enough to survive through the winter. 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