Table of Contents
How much does a full grown skunk weigh?
Adult specimens can weigh variously from 2.5 to 15 lbs (1.1 to 6.8 kg), although the average weight is 6-8 lb (2.7-3.6 kg). This species’ head-and-body length (excluding the tail) is 13 to 18 in (33 to 46 cm). Males tend to be around .
How many pounds does a skunk weigh?
Average adult striped skunks weigh 6-8 pounds, though body weight might be significantly heavier in late fall, as the skunks attain layers of fat to sustain themselves through winter. Spotted skunks are much smaller, usually weighing 2-3 pounds. Males of both types are slightly heavier than females.
How heavy is a striped skunk?
Striped skunk sizes vary greatly depending upon time of year and geographic location, with weights fluctuating between 1.5 and 13 pounds (0.7 to 6.3 kg), and total length varying between 18 and 32 inches (46.5 to 81.5 cm).
How much does a western spotted skunk weigh?
Description. With a total length of 35–45 cm (14–18 in), the western spotted skunk is smaller than the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Males, which weigh 336 to 734 g (11.9 to 25.9 oz), are significantly heavier than females, at 227 to 482 g (8.0 to 17.0 oz), but only about 6% longer, on average.
Why do skunks smell so bad?
Skunk spray is a thiol, an organic compound with sulfur as a principal component. Sulfur has that classic rotten egg smell, and it’s what gives thiol its gag-inducing power. For detection purposes, thiols are added to otherwise smell-free natural gas, so that it will have a noticeable odor.
Are skunks bigger than cats?
Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are commonly found in suburban neighborhoods, among other habitats. They are black and usually about the size of a house cat.
Are skunks aggressive?
It is important to remember that most skunks are not aggressive and won’t harm humans unless they are threatened, according to The Humane Society. Skunks are nocturnal and forage for food while most animals and humans sleep. Though you typically see skunks by themselves, they gather to mate.
What is a skunks lifespan?
Facts About Striped Skunks Skunks typically live 3 years in the wild, 15 years in captivity. Skunk weights vary wildly, from 2.5 pounds to 15 pounds. The bushy tail can be up to 10 inches long. Skunks won’t spray in their own dens.
What are the spotted skunk predators?
Predators of the eastern spotted skunk include great horned owls (Bubo virginianus), coyotes (Canis latrans), bobcats (Lynx rufus), and humans (Crabb 1948; Kinlaw 1995; Lesmeister et al.
Are spotted skunks rare?
Formerly, the plains spotted skunk subspecies (Spilogale putorius interrupta) was most common in the western half of the state, but it is now extremely rare and is listed as Endangered in Missouri.
Are skunks friendly?
When born and raised in captivity, skunks can make for friendly, intelligent, and unique pets. They can learn to be comfortable when handled by people, and they can be quite playful and cuddly. Housing a pet skunk can be somewhat difficult, as skunks tend to be curious animals that like to get into mischief..
Do skunks spray pee?
N-butyl mercaptan, more commonly known simply as “skunk spray,” is produced by special glands surrounding two sacs in the skunk’s anus. As the glands produce skunk spray — a yellow-tinged liquid sometimes mistaken for urine — it builds up and is stored in these sacs.
How much does an average skunk weigh?
Most adult skunks should weigh from 6 to 12 lb (2.5 to 5.5 kg) and may vary 1 to 2 lb (0.5 to 1 kg) each way from their optimum weight as the seasons change; skunks gain in late summer and autumn then lose over the winter months.
What are striped skunks diet?
Striped Skunk Habitat. Striped skunks are most active from sunset to sunrise, thus they are considered to be both crepuscular and nocturnal. Reproduction. Breeding occurs from February through late March. Diet. The striped skunk is an omnivore, eating both plants and animals. Management. Status.
What are the characteristics of a skunk?
Skunk species vary in size from about 15.6 to 37 in (40 to 94 cm) long and in weight from about 1.1 lb (0.50 kg) (spotted skunks) to 18 lb (8.2 kg) (hog-nosed skunks). They have moderately elongated bodies with relatively short, well-muscled legs and long front claws for digging.
What is the range of a striped skunk?
Striped skunks () have a range spanning most of North America. From east to west, they reach from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, covering most of the continental United States and southern regions of Canada.