Stanley Park Ecology Society - Programs- Urban Wildlife

Species

Adults: 20-35 cm, 2-4 kg

Skunks spray as a last defense. They will stomp their feet, flee, growl or hiss before spraying in most circumstances. They will however spray immediately when they are pursued / startled / threatened by dogs or predators at close range.
Spray is accurate for 3-5 meters! The range depends on the individual animal, the strength and direction of the wind and the amount of spray.
There are two scent glands that can fire separately or simultaneously. The spray is not only potent smelling but causes pain (intense burning) in the target's eyes. Contrary to an old myth however, it does not cause permanent blindness.
5-6 week old skunks are "fully loaded" with spray and instinctively aim for their target's eyes!
Can spray multiple times before reaching "empty." The average skunk can spray 4-5 times before this happens. Since the secretion is continuously being created by the animal, it almost always has sufficient spray for a few releases and can replenish itself for a single shot within hours.
None of the skunk's spray touches their fur when they fire Their glands extend past their fur, fire and retract!

Original resident of semi-open country, mixed woods, prairie
Very well adapted to urban settings
Urban dens under houses and sheds
The den is clean and relatively scent free. It will be abandoned in early fall when the 3-8 young are in the final phase of preparation for independence.

Plants, insects, mice, worms and fruit. Also eggs, carrion, fish etc.
Primarily a grub eater, skunks are known, like raccoons, to cause havoc by turning up sod or new lawns for food. They will also shred a garbage bag for the innards.