Skunks

Striped skunks are medium sized, robust-bodied skunks with a white stripe on either side of their back that extends up over the head and down the sides of their bushy tail. The two large scent glands near the base of their tail produce the skunk’s notoriously pungent scent, or musk. They are a member of the weasel family.

Skunks are largely nocturnal and return to their dens early in the morning. They are social animals and several individuals will often occupy a winter den in a good location.

They become a nuisance when burrowing and feeding habits conflict with humans. They may burrow under porches or buildings by entering foundation openings. Garbage or refuse left outdoors may be disturbed by skunks. They dig holes in lawns, gardens and golf courses to search for insect grubs found in the soil.