Skunks are extremely common animals throughout Maryland, especially the Eastern striped skunk species. These small creatures are famously known for their skunk spray, but it might surprise you to learn that skunks are generally mild mannered animals. To help you learn more about our furry friends, we have compiled a list of fun skunk facts.
Different species have different patterns.
The most common species of skunk is the striped skunk. This black and white striped pattern is one of the most widely recognized animal patterns. But did you know that not all skunks have this stripe?
While all skunks have black and white fur, some skunk species have spotted or swirl patterns.
Skunks are rather small creatures.
Similar to the size of house cats, adult skunks grow up to 19 inches in length and weigh between 7-14 pounds. Due to their small size, these creatures are generally non-aggressive and prefer to live in solitude.
While many individuals are afraid of skunks, it is important to note that these small creatures are just as afraid of humans. If you come into contact with a skunk, it is always best to calmly walk away and leave it alone.
Female skunks give birth every year.
The female skunk gives birth every year to baby skunks, or kits. The gestation period only lasts about two months, or an average of 63 days.
A skunk will give birth to a litter of 2 to 10 babies at one time. These kits only stay with their mother in the den for two months, at which point they are weaned and leave the den. Then, once they are a year old, they are ready to have their own babies.
Skunks have a short lifespan – only living to about three years old. This means female skunks will only reproduce once or twice in their lifetime.
Skunks will and can eat anything.
Skunks are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal material. However, they are partial to animal material, which can benefit the human population.
Given their small size, skunks prefer to eat smaller animals and insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, cutworms, hornworms, bees, and insect larvae. Not only are these insects a bother to humans, they can destroy crops and gardens. By eating the insects from your yard, skunks are unknowingly doing you a favor.
However, if these insects are spare, a skunk will quickly turn to eating leaves, grasses, fruits, and berries, which is not at all helpful to gardeners.
Have A Skunk Problem? Call the Experts at Shumaker Animal Control
If you think you have a skunk problem on your property, call the experts at Shumaker Animal Control to deal with the problem for you. Our experienced team will take care of the problem in a timely manner, ensuring that your home and pets are not in any danger.
At Shumaker Animal Control, we are a family-owned business who cares about the safety of you and your family but also about the well-being of the animals themselves. All of our trapping and control methods are humane, as we never try to hurt the angry or scared animal.
Call us at 443-854-8072, visit our website or fill out our contact form for more information.