Striped Skunk

North America · self-defense · adaptable

Incredible spray weapon. When threatened, striped skunks can spray a foul-smelling liquid from glands near their tail with amazing accuracy up to 15 feet away. This stink is so powerful that it can deter even large predators like coyotes and bears.

Bold warning stripes. Their black fur with white stripes is nature's way of saying 'stay back' to other animals. These bright colors warn predators that the skunk has a nasty defense, so many animals learn to avoid them quickly.

Found across North America. Striped skunks live throughout much of Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. They're incredibly adaptable and thrive in forests, grasslands, and even suburban neighborhoods near human homes.

Night shift foragers. Striped skunks are mostly active at night, when they search the ground for insects, grubs, small rodents, and berries. Their strong claws are perfect for digging up food from soil and rotting logs.

Thriving species. Unlike many wild animals, striped skunks are doing well in the modern world because they can adjust to living around people. Conservation experts consider them 'least concern' because their population remains healthy and widespread.