ND Striped Skunk Hunting Guide

Also known as: Skunk, Polecat, Common skunk

The striped skunk is stoutly-built, short-limbed with a small conical head and long, heavily furred tail. Total body length ranges from 52-77 cm, weight typically 1.8-4.5 kg. Fur patterns generally feature a black base with white stripes dividing at the shoulders and continuing along the flanks to the tail. The species possesses two highly developed scent glands containing about 15 mL of musk each. Striped skunks inhabit mixed woodlands, brushy corners, and open fields with wooded ravines and rocky outcrops across southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico.

Habitat & Range

The species inhabits mixed woodlands, brushy corners, and open fields with wooded ravines and rocky outcrops. Some populations prefer cultivated areas over uncultivated ones.

Life History

The species is polygamous, typically breeding once per year. Mating runs from mid-February to mid-April. Gestation lasts 59-77 days with litters averaging 5-6 kits. Diet is primarily insectivorous but highly adaptable, including grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, caterpillars, worms, crayfish, small mammals, eggs, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and plant matter.

Status, Trends & Threats

Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide range and ability to adapt to human-modified environments. The striped skunk is a major rabies carrier, second only to raccoons in the U.S.

Hunting Season

Year-round (unprotected species)

References

• North Dakota — Striped Skunk