![]() They may burrow under porches or buildings by entering foundation openings. Skunks become a nuisance when their burrowing and feeding habits cause problems for humans. Rats, cottontail rabbits, and other small mammals are taken when other food is scarce. Field and house mice are regular and important items in the skunk diet, particularly in winter. In autumn, skunks consume berries and other vegetative matter. They seem to prefer grasshoppers, white grubs, beetles, and crickets. They eat plant and animal matter in about equal amounts during fall and winter, but eat considerably more animal matter during spring and summer when insects, their preferred food, are more available. Skunks are highly beneficial to farmers, gardeners, and landowners because they feed on large numbers of agricultural and garden pests. They also establish dens in hollow logs or may use old woodchuck burrows. In urban areas, skunks may den under decks and sheds or under loose foundations. Skunks traditionally inhabited clearings, pastures, and open lands bordering forests, but with the urbanization of rural areas, people and skunks have come in closer contact. For additional information on rabies, see "Wildlife Damage Control Rabies." In addition, avoid overly aggressive skunks that approach without hesitation. Any skunk showing abnormal behavior, such as daytime activity, may be rabid and should be treated with caution. When a skunk becomes infected with the virus, it may not be apparent for many days. ![]() They are nocturnal in habit, rather slow-moving and deliberate, and have great confidence in defending themselves against other animals. They may den together in winter for warmth, but generally are not sociable. Skunks are dormant for about a month during the coldest part of winter. During the breeding season, a male may travel 4 to 5 miles each night. The normal home range of the skunk is 0.5 to 2 miles in diameter. Litters commonly consist of 4 to 6 young. There usually is only one litter annually. Older females bear young during the first part of May, while yearling females bear young in early June. Adult skunks begin breeding in late February through late March. Their populations range from 2 to 50 individuals per square mile. ![]() Skunks are common throughout Pennsylvania. These problems can be alleviated through various damage control techniques described below. In addition, skunks sometimes set up their dens too close to a human dwelling or dig in a well manicured lawn for insects. The repugnant odor lingers for days and can be nauseating. ![]() Skunks have earned their negative reputation through the odor of their musk. ![]() Because the striped skunk is more common and more likely to come into contact with people, this fact sheet will stress actions associated with them. The spotted skunk, Spilogale putorius, which occurs in a few southcentral Pennsylvania counties, is more weasel-like, and is readily distinguishable by white spots and short, broken white stripes in a dense jet-black coat. The body of the striped skunk is about the size of an ordinary house cat. The striped skunk, Mephitis mephitis, is characterized by prominent, lateral white stripes that run down its back. Skunks are well-known, nocturnal residents of Pennsylvania. ![]()
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