Meet Mephitis mephitis - the Striped Skunk.
Generally nocturnal, this is a solitary and secretive animal that has a distinctive pungent scent. Found throughout Wisconsin you'll smell it before your spot it.
A member of the weasel family it is an omnivore that rambles-about in a shambling gait in search of food. This animal does not hibernate but it will hole-up in it’s den for weeks at a time during extended cold snaps.
This is not an aggressive critter as a consequence of a unique defense mechanism. If threatened it will stamp its feet, arch its back with tail raised, teeth chattering and launch a spray of oily stink from glands located near its anus. This critter can nail a bullseye at up to fifteen feet. Most predators give this animal a wide berth – the exception being the great horned and barred owl.
Breeding season begins in February – March with 6-7 offspring born naked and blind in May – June.
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