Zoological Synopsis of Skunks in Kentucky

Introduction:

The two types of skunks in Kentucky are the Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) and Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis).

1. • The classifications of skunks are kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, family Mephitidae, Genus Mephitis or Spilogale, species mephitis or putorius.

Morphology:

1. • Adult skunks are 15-30 inches long and weigh 2-18 pounds.
   • They are usually black with white stripes or spots, have long and stout body shapes, and have claws for digging and burrowing.
   • Skunks also have immunity to snake venom and scent glands for attracting mates and defending from predators.

Habitat:

1. • Skunks live in dark, warm areas inside woodlands, fields, brushlands, and in or under sheds, houses, and porches in urban areas.

Diet & Foraging:

1. • Skunks are omnivores and secondary consumers that forage and dig for small reptiles, amphibians, rodents, insects, eggs, fruits, berries, vegetables, and foods left out by humans.

Behavior and Ecology:

1. • They are solitary, nocturnal, and less active during winter months, while being more active in February to March (mating season).
   • Females attract males with sounds and potent pheromones.
   • Skunks forage for food and deter predators such as birds of prey, badgers, bobcats, foxes, and coyotes with pungent spray.

Reproduction and Life Cycle:

1. • Skunks are polygamous, spend 2 months in gestation, care for kits until they are fully weaned, and live 2-4 years in the wild.
   • The kits develop fur in the first 1-2 weeks, can hear after about 3 weeks, and open their eyes and begin to walk around 3-4 weeks old, being fully weaned by 2 months.
   • Skunks reach adult size at around 10 months and are sexually mature by 11-12 months