Striped Skunk
(Mephitis mephitis)
Striped skunks prefer forest edges with soils appropriate for burrowing. However, they are adaptable to a variety of habitats at all elevations in the Reserve. Home range sizes can be 30 to 1860 acres, depending on habitat suitability. Breeding occurs from February-May with a brief delayed implantation. Two to eleven young are born from April-June after a 59 to 77 day gestation period. The young will have weaned at 2 months of age.
Insects, rodents, birds, and fruit are eaten. Next to man, the great horned owl is the biggest predator of skunks.
