Reproduction, Diet & Predators

Reproduction


Skunks mate between mid-February to mid-March and have litters of 4-8 in May or early June. The kits (baby skunks) venture out of the den at seven weeks, are fully weened at two months, and reach adult size by their tenth month. The skunk’s average lifespan is 2-3 years in the wild.

Food


The skunk’s diet consists primarily of insects and grub, but it is known to consume:
  • Bird Eggs
  • Birds
  • Black Cherries
  • Corn
  • Ground Squirrels
  • Ground-Cherries
  • Mice
  • Nightshades
  • Voles
  • Young Rabbits

Predators


Many predators avoid skunks due to their odor, but dogs, coyotes, foxes, badgers, and great-horned owls do hunt them when food is scarce. Vehicles are also a threat to skunks.