Skunk
BADGER came to us in 2024 as a three-year-old skunk who was injured in the wild and deemed non-releasable by a veterinarian and wildlife rehabilitator. He gets his unique name from his distant relatives—the badgers! Skunks and badgers share a common ancestor, with their evolutionary paths splitting around seven million years ago. Interestingly, badgers can also spray when threatened, though not as often as their skunk cousins.
Skunks are one of nature’s greatest success stories in urban environments. As nocturnal animals, they come out while we sleep, acting as nature’s cleanup crew by eating rodents, insects, and other small pests. However, due to their poor vision, they can be easily startled—leading to the accidental sprays that give them their infamous reputation. Despite this, skunks prefer to mind their own business when left undisturbed.
A crucial reminder: never feed native wildlife. Providing food not only disrupts their natural behaviors but also attracts other animals, including coyotes, which can put backyard pets at risk. If you encounter a skunk, give it space, and appreciate it for the vital role it plays in keeping our ecosystems balanced!
ORDER: Carnivora
FAMILY: Mephitidae
GENUS: Mephitis
SPECIES: Macroura
Hooded skunks are solitary creatures; however, they may gather in small groups at a feeding ground without showing any signs of aggression. They shelter in a burrow or a nest of thick plant cover during the day and are active at night. Like other skunks, for self-defense they spray bad-smelling oily musk from two gland located at the base of their tail. They are omnivores, their diet consists mostly of vegetation, especially prickly pear, but they also eat insects, small vertebrates, and bird eggs. During mating season, the male mates with several females. They usually breed from February to March and after a gestation period of 50 days, females give birth to 3-8 kits.
Threats
Currently not endangered due to their ability to live in human suburban areas. Their fur is of low economical value. They are hunted by people and owls for food.
Conservation Status
LC - Least Concern