Nature reflections October 7, 2004
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeContact Us
Mephitis Mephitis Much better known by its common name, Mephitis mephitis is the scientific name of the Striped Skunk. Even unseen, this animal can be readily recognized by the obnoxious odour of its chemical defence, which can be detected a mile or more away from the point of discharge. Those that know the skunk because of intimate contact with the strong smelling spray will never forget the experience - like my brother, who years ago while walking home in the dark, disturbed one. The next morning the family discovered the incident when seeing various articles of clothing spread along the driveway!
While for protection most creatures rely on secretiveness, speed, or ability to physically defend themselves, this most primitive of the living carnivores makes no attempt to use any of the above defences, but relies on the two bold white stripes on the black fur to warn possible enemies to Keep clear. If this warning is ignored, the animal may stamp its feet, hiss or growl, and will, if these too are ignored, turn its back, raise its tail straight up and release about a tablespoon of fetid, yellowish, musk with uncanny accuracy. Any young dog that has not yet learned the keep clear signal will suffer the consequences - getting this fluid in the eyes causes intense pain and a brief loss of vision.
The skunk is an omnivore who feeds on a wide variety of vegetable matter, insects and grubs, small mammals, the eggs of ground nesting birds and amphibians. I often find evidence that it has been busy on my lawn by small pockmarks where it has been digging for grubs. Reference books will tell you that the skunk is primarily nocturnal, or busy occasionally in early evening or early morning. I guess the skunk that came up my walkway about mid-morning forgot to read the books! I was sitting out on my back porch, and I decided my best defence was to sit perfectly still. Busy sniffing as it came, it walked by the porch, but stopped almost directly opposite me and lifted its tail part way as if to say I know you are there - dont try anything, and then went on. I think this one was well aged, as the stripes were a dirty yellowish colour rather than white.
As winter approaches the skunk will be busy eating and building up a thick layer of fat to provide energy as it sleeps in its den during the winter. Not a true hibernator, it may venture out of its den if the temperature is near freezing and snow conditions are favourable. Mating occurs in late winter, and a litter of four to ten young are born in May or early June. The newborn have only a hint of fuzz or hair, but still show faint black and white markings. By late June or early July they will take short trips with their mother, and at this time they make a charming family picture as the mother is followed by several miniature duplicates of herself. If taken and tamed at an early age, the skunk is said to be an engaging pet, but should be de-skunked by a vet to prevent accidents!
Observations: As I write, last weeks dove is still alive, but the future is dim. Share your observations, call Jean at 268-2518, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
