Skunk (family Mephitidae)

Mammal Omnivore Chemical defense

Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) foraging on the ground. — Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis).
Image: Ryan Hodnett, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

Skunks are black-and-white mammals of the Americas, famous for the potent defensive spray they can release when threatened. They make up the family Mephitidae, with the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) being the most familiar species across North America and the reference for this profile.

Beyond their notorious defense, skunks are adaptable omnivores that play a useful role in controlling insects and other small prey, and that get along surprisingly well in landscapes shared with people.

Conservation note: the striped skunk is widespread and common, though other skunk species vary in status. Verify any specific species' status at iucnredlist.org.

Classification

Taxonomic classification — striped skunk as a reference species
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Mammalia
Order	Carnivora
Family	Mephitidae
Genus	Mephitis
Species	M. mephitis

Skunks were once grouped with the weasel family but are now placed in their own family, Mephitidae, which also includes the spotted skunks, hog-nosed skunks, and the Asian stink badgers.

Habitat & Range

Skunks are found across North and South America. The striped skunk ranges widely across North America in woodland, grassland, farmland, and suburban areas, sheltering in burrows, hollow logs, brush piles, or beneath buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Skunks are opportunistic omnivores. They eat insects and grubs, worms, small vertebrates, eggs, fruit, and plants, often digging in soil for invertebrates. Their broad diet helps them thrive across varied habitats and seasons.

Defense & Behavior

The skunk's signature defense is a strong-smelling spray produced by glands near the tail, which it can direct with accuracy over a short distance. Skunks typically give clear warnings first — stamping their feet, raising the tail, and posturing — and spray only when these are ignored. They are mainly nocturnal and largely solitary outside the breeding season.

Appearance & Recognition

Skunks are stocky, short-legged mammals with a bushy tail and a striking black coat marked with white stripes or spots that vary by species and individual. The bold contrasting pattern serves as a warning to predators and makes skunks easy to recognise.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Skunks frequently live near people and are valued for eating insect pests, though their denning under buildings and their spray can bring them into conflict with residents. They are widespread and adaptable; for current status and humane coexistence guidance, consult authoritative sources.

More photos of the skunk

Striped skunk showing its black-and-white pattern. — Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis).
Image: Henry, CJ, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Skunk

Why do skunks spray?

Skunks spray as a last-resort defense. Specialised glands near the base of the tail can eject a strong-smelling fluid with good aim over a short distance. Skunks usually warn first — stamping, raising the tail, and posturing — and spray only if a threat persists, because the spray takes time to replenish.

What do skunks eat?

Skunks are omnivores with a varied, opportunistic diet that includes insects and other invertebrates, small vertebrates, eggs, fruit, and plant material. They often dig for grubs and insects, and their diet shifts with the seasons.

Are a skunk's black-and-white markings a warning?

Yes. The bold black-and-white pattern is widely interpreted as warning (aposematic) coloration, advertising to potential predators that the animal can defend itself with a noxious spray. Many predators learn to avoid skunks after a single encounter.

Where do skunks live?

Skunks are found across the Americas, with the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) widespread in North America. They occupy a range of habitats — woodland, grassland, farmland, and the edges of towns — and often shelter in burrows or under structures.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status varies by species and should be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.

UniversityAnimal Diversity Web — Mephitis mephitis (striped skunk) — University of Michigan species account
ReferenceBritannica — Skunk — Editor-reviewed encyclopedia entry
Wildlife referenceIUCN Red List of Threatened Species — Authoritative source for current conservation status