A significant part of the people know about the skunk only that he is the most foul-smelling animal in the world. It is for this reason that it is rarely seen in zoos. However, few people know that these cute animals are so harmless that they can become pets.
There are several types of skunks:
- dwarf (or spotted);
- striped;
- pig-nosed (pig-nosed);
- Mexican;
- stinky (probe);
- half-stripe;
- Southern American;
- Humbolt's skunk.
They are basically the same type in their color, but have a small distinctive characteristics. More common is the striped skunk.
Striped skunk home and habitat
So, the skunk is an animal that can be easily recognized by the white stripes (spots) on the black coat. The homeland of this small predator is the territory of North America. Its habitat covers a significant part of the continent. It is also found in Canada. The only exceptions are Hawaii and Alaska. Prefers to rise to a height of about 2 thousand meters above sea level,but some representatives of the species can climb high into the mountains or simply live in meadows and forests.
If you still don't know where the skunk lives and where its burrows may be, then you should take a closer look at the secluded corners of settlements and areas with water bodies.
The animal willingly settles near garbage cans, in backyards, disguises its holes in the bushes, on the edges, as well as on rocky slopes. It sleeps in dry, inconspicuous places and often chooses someone else's hole dug by other animals of the same size. Where a skunk lives, there are always a lot of midges, grass and even human food waste. There must also be access to water.
What a striped skunk looks like
This species is quite easy to distinguish by the wide stripes of white along the black back. They stretch from the head to the very tip of the tail, which is very fluffy. The weight of a striped predator on average is no higher than 5 kg, but before hibernation, a layer of fat accumulates under the skin of the animal. The length of the tail is slightly longer than the body itself - about 40 cm. Often, males are slightly larger than females, the paws of the animals are short, and the muzzle is elongated. Ears small, rounded. Fluffy fur is not at all soft, as it might seem at first glance.
The contrasting coloration of the skunk is designed to scare away the enemy and is noticeable from afar. It signals that its bearer is capable of protecting himself.
Skunk food
If you pay attention, it will not be difficult at allfind out what the skunk eats. These good-natured animals are unpretentious in food, and their menu is quite diverse. They are able to dig out useful roots with their long curved claws and rake foliage. Willingly absorb berries, nuts, grass, fruits, vegetables, seeds and other vegetation. But the main diet is insects. Also, these striped predators can destroy nests by eating bird eggs, catch small rodents, frogs, and occasionally fish. Do not disdain animals and carrion. They roam in garbage cans and landfills, looking for human food scraps. They go hunting mainly at night and rely entirely on their hearing and smell, as they do not have good eyesight.
It's worth noting that skunks even eat coprophagous creatures that swarm in their feces.
How to breed
Skunk puberty occurs at 11 months of age. In the spring, the male, who is able to assemble a whole kind of harem, takes an active part in mating games. And after the fertilization of the partner, he continues to live his life and no longer takes part in caring for the offspring. Since striped skunks are inherently solitary animals, males can only live in the same burrow with females during the winter - they unite to survive.
Animals bear babies for 66 days. As soon as it is possible to find a suitable hole or hole, the animal begins to cover it with small dry foliage and grass, various garbage, because where the skunk lives, it should be warm and dry. cubsare born blind, defenseless and feed on mother's milk for up to 6-8 weeks. After three weeks, they open their eyes, can already move around a little, and starting from the 5th week of life they make sorties out of the hole, however, together with their mother. During the walk, they actively learn, copy the habits of older relatives. Babies stay in the family until the next mating season.
It is worth noting that small offspring are able to fend for themselves from the age of 4 months.
Skunk lifestyle
Skunks live in a sluggish, calm mode, which is why many people think that these animals are lazy. They are rather slow and rarely run. The speed of their movement does not exceed 10 km / h. The animals swim well and are not at all adapted to rock climbing. They sleep during the day, and at night they go looking for food. In the wild, these predators live for about 6-8 years, and even longer at home.
It is noteworthy that skunks do not run away from their enemies, because they have a special protective equipment that allows them to scare them from a distance.
How skunks protect themselves
Nature has endowed skunks with a unique means of protection in the form of an unpleasant, persistent odor. Sensing danger, the animal begins to spray the fetid liquid contained in special anal glands. The first time is considered a warning, and if the enemy does not start to retreat, the skunk stands on its front legs, spreads its hind legs, then aims and makes 7-8 accurate shots in the eyes. At the same time, the animal is practicallymisses. The range of such "chemical weapons" is up to 4 meters. The smell of a skunk vaguely resembles a mixture of garlic with rotten cabbage, rubber and burnt feathers. In addition, contact with mucous membranes causes a strong burning sensation, since it contains butyl mercaptan, ethyl mercaptan and other natural compounds.
It is worth noting that the "aroma" is very stable, does not fade for a long time and remains even after several treatments.
Interesting facts about skunks
- Skunks never use their weapons in duels with members of their own kind.
- Striped skunks (compared to other animals of the same size) are ten times better able to tolerate venomous snake bites.
- The only enemy of skunks is the virgin eagle owl. He hunts them at night and calmly ignores the odorous secret of the animal.
- To feast on poison frogs, bees or caterpillars, skunks roll them on the ground with their paws. This helps to get rid of the spines on the prey's skin, stingers, etc.
- Animals cannot resist sweet honey - having found a hive, they eat not only honey, but also the bees themselves with honeycombs.
In fact, skunks are very cute animals and may well become pets if their anal glands, which contain a secret with an unpleasant odor, are removed first.
Some people like these animals so much that they willingly hang pictures of the skunk in the house.
Home keeping skunks
Recently it has become very popular to containskunks in living quarters, because they have an accommodating character, are very good-natured and sociable. In addition, the animals are affectionate and devoted. Unlike a dog or cat, they will never gnaw on shoes or scratch furniture. Where the skunk lives, it will be very fun and interesting. Like some pets, these animals are able to respond to nicknames and even execute several commands. Buy a cage for your skunk and toys (balls are great). Make your pet a nest of dry grass where he can burrow, and don't be afraid to leave the cage open - the animals love to move freely around the house. However, don't get a skunk that is more than two years old, otherwise you will have to spend a lot of time taming it.
Since the homeland of the skunk is the mainland, located in the north of the Western Hemisphere of the planet, then the diet should be selected accordingly. Do not feed your pet s alty, spicy, sweet or fatty foods. Include fruits and vegetables in the menu, and fill the need for protein with fish, chicken and eggs. Also give the skunks millet, rice, and other grains. With proper care, the animal can live for more than 10 years in captivity.
It is worth noting that the first to tame skunks were the Goni Indians. This representative of the animal world was their symbol of the sun, since its all-pervading smell is comparable to the sun's rays, which can even get underground. It is for this reason that the inhabitants of America, who are unable to acquire an unusual pet,prefer to keep photos of a skunk or its stuffed animals and figurines indoors.
