Even if you’ve never seen a skunk, you’ve probably smelled its scent. Skunks live throughout the United States in woodland areas, near farms and even in cities. They’re shy animals that don’t want a fight, but if bothered, they’ll spray their enemies with a terrible smell.
Skunks, like raccoons, are omnivores. They eat fish, clams, insects, fruit, vegetables, lizards, and birdseed. They have long claws to dig with and they’re very smart. A skunk will roll a furry caterpillar in the dirt to get rid of its irritating hairs before eating it.
Fun Facts about Skunks for Kids
- Most skunks are black with two white stripes down their backs. A few are spotted white and black all over.
- Apart from the US, skunks can be found in central Canada and Northern Mexico.
- Skunks get into garbage cans and compost bins. They eat pet food and will raid a vegetable garden.
- Skunks have glands on their bottom that spray their stinky smell. Skunks can spray up to 12 feet away. The smell can last for up to four months!
- Skunks live in old tree stumps, under logs or in dens. Sometimes they crawl into people’s attics or basements.
- Skunks are nocturnal. They sleep during the day and look for food at night.
- Most skunks only live two or three years. They are often hit by cars or killed by dogs, coyotes, owls or bobcats.
Skunk Vocabulary
- Scent: An animal’s smell
- Enemy: An animal that might hurt a skunk
- Omnivore: Eats both meat and plants
- Gland: A small opening which releases skunk spray
- Nocturnal: Sleeps during the day
Learn More All About Skunks
Watch a video all about skunks:
A video about facts about skunks as pets.
Skunk Q&A
Question: Do skunks spray humans very often?
Answer: Skunks would rather run away or climb a tree than spray a human. They only spray as a last defense. As long as you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone.
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Question: Are skunks dangerous?
Answer: Skunks eat insects and rodents so they’re actually helpful. But they are wild animals. Sometimes they carry diseases and they’ll scratch or bite if trapped.
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