Species group · Mammals

Skunks

WAnimals has 2 species of skunk, all in the family Mephitidae.

2 species
1 family
3 countries
79 parks
Weight
200 g – 6.3 kg
Length
11.5 cm – 81.5 cm
Lifespan
4 – 5 years

Ranges calculated from the entries that record the figure, not from all 2.

All 2 species of skunks on WAnimals

Each one has its own full entry. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.

Conservation status

1 Not Evaluated1 Least Concern

No species documented in this group is genuinely at risk according to the IUCN, with the data available today.

See the global conservation status

Where they live

Recorded in 3 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:

Where to see them

Did you know…

  • People can smell it from as far as 1.6 km downwind, and it is used only as a last resort, after an elaborate warning display.

    From Striped Skunk

  • It eats insects, small vertebrates, fruit and carrion.

    From Striped Skunk

  • It lives in woodland, grassland and towns across much of North America.

    From Striped Skunk

  • Before spraying, it stands on its front paws in an inverted V as a warning.

    From Eastern Spotted Skunk

  • Its gestation can stretch to 234 days through delayed implantation.

    From Eastern Spotted Skunk

  • It is one of the smallest skunks in North America.

    From Eastern Spotted Skunk

Ecosystems

See every species group · Explore the species one by one