The northwest is home to two of the four species that live in the US.  (The Hog-Nosed Skunk and the Hooded Skunk of the Southwest are the others.)   Our Striped Skunks and Spotted Skunks are common, but not usually encountered as they tend to be nocturnal animals.  The Great Horned Owl is probably the number one predator of skunks; their olfactory glands obviously not as sensitive as ours.   Skunks do not automatically spray at the first sign of danger.  It takes a while to recharge their primary weapon of self defense so they do not blast away indiscriminately, preferring a variety of threat displays first.  A skunk encountered in the wild is likely to attempt to get away first.  If this fails they will face the source of aggression and stomp their front feet, an obvious sign of displeasure.  Once the little fellow turns its back on you and raises its tail it is time to back off - or pay the price.  Skunks will eat just about anything (omnivorous) and are normally nocturnal.

A Western Spotted Skink.  Note how the stripes of this species are broken up into irregular lines and spots, and a shorter, bushier tail.  I am very grateful to Dr. Jerry W. Dragoo, biologist and renowned expert on the subject of "Mephitology" at the University of New Mexico for these photographs of the Western Spotted Skunk.  Please visit his site: "Dragoo's Institute for the Betterment of Skunks and Skunk Reputations."  His wonderful site is a magnificent source for all things Mephitidae.

The Striped Skunk, a familiar sight in the Northwest and many other parts of the country.  These guys range from Canada to Mexico.  Although the stripes may vary in design the white fur coverst the rear half of the head and projects into the classic V shape at the neck.

    Due to their nocturnal habits skunks are usually encountered, but for those who live in the country (and populated areas as well) you may have woken up one morning to discover a large portion of your beautiful lawn oddly mangled into a series of rips and holes.  It is just possible that you have had a nightime visit from a skunk that found in your greenery a prime hunting ground for worms and insects.  These guys are adept and powerful diggers, something I can personally attest to.  And yes, for the curious out there, skunks are kept successfully as pets, although I recommend against it.  I cared for a little guy in a zoo I once worked in and although normally good natured he had a tendency to bite from time to time, and painfully, too.  Skunks kept as pets must obviously have their scent glands removed, an operation that makes them very vulnerable if ever released into the wild or should they escape, a likely possibility.  And there is one more factor to consider: keeping a skunk for a pet is illegal in most of the US so be sure to check with your local Fish and Wildlife agency first. 

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