Striped skunk

"If my stink dust gets in your face, it can make you nauseous and even temporarily blind."

Discover in real life
Striped skunkMephitis mephitis

  • Food

    mice and sometimes fruit or seeds

  • Lifetime

    8 years on average

  • Weight

    0.7 to 6.3 kilograms

  • Number of youngsters

    2 to 10 youngsters

  • Wear time

    2.5 months

  • IUCN Status

    safe

  • EEP?

    no

6

meters away and for miles around, my stink dust can be smelled when I spray

2,5

months I am approximately pregnant

8

years, that's how old I get on average

Stinking protection

I don't smell nice, but I myself like that because this is my protection! Under my tail are two glands with which I can spray a foul smelling substance in case of danger. But I prefer to avoid danger.

Armed against predators

I am a nocturnal animal and prefer to be alone. If a dangerous predator does come, I warn first. I arch my back, put my tail up and stomp on the ground with my front legs. If that doesn't work, I turn my back to the side of my head and SPROEI! Up to 6 meters far and you can smell it for miles around. Away you go! If the smell gets in your face, it can make you nauseous and even temporarily blind. Should I be startled by an unexpected movement or sound, I can also suddenly let out a wisp of it....

Want to know more about IUCN status or the EEP? Click here.