How many of you have noticed more skunks dead along side the roads in February? They are out roaming more, looking for their mate, but they have poor vision, only able to see what is in front of them. This is why they don't see vehicles coming toward them when they are trying to cross a road.
(With Valentine's Day and mating season in February, this is a reason you see skunks on Valentine cards.)
The gestation period is seven to ten weeks, with kits born in May. There can be two to ten kits born in a litter. Like puppies and kittens, kits are born toothless and blind. A kit is several weeks old before its eyes open. It is just before their eyes open that their spraying ability develops. The kits stay with their momma until fall.
In the United States, there are four different kinds of skunks. The two main skunks people see are the spotted and striped ones. There are also hood and hog-nose skunks. No two skunks are marked exactly alike. They are each unique just like snowflakes.
Skunks are non-aggressive, and work hard to stay out of harms way. If a skunk feels threatened, it will stomp its feet, raise its tail, and lurch its back. If you see any of these signs, it would be best to back away quietly.
Skunks love to eat bugs, many of which are pest to humans, so they can be beneficial to have around. They also eat plant material, fruits, mice, and eggs from ground nesting birds.
Lastly, another name for a skunk is polecat. That's it for Skunks 101.
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