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In Florida we have both the Eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius)
and the Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) (Pictured to the right
from Illinois).
They occur throughout Florida except for the Keys. Both skunk species
are about the size of a house cat with a small head, and short legs.
The tail is the most distinctive feature, and has potent scent glands
which may be sprayed for up to 15 feet when the tail is up.
Both species occur in brushy fields, weedy pastures, disturbed areas,
and sometimes in residential and suburban areas. Striped skunks
may be active day or night, but are most active in late afternoon and
during the night. The spotted skunk sleep during the day, and are
active at night. Both skunks are omniverous and may be attracted to lawns with many
insects, where food scraps are kept, or where there are brush piles, wood
piles, and similar sources of shelter.
If you have problems with skunks visiting, they may be addressed by removing
sources of food for the skunk. The animal may be caught in a trap, but
relocating wildlife is seldom biologically
sound, the animal often does not survive, and a special relocation permit
is required to transport native wildlife. If you catch a skunk in
a trap, be careful to avoiding being sprayed. Slowly approach the
trapped skunk and cover the trap with a small tarp or towel. The
trap must be moved very carefully without jarring the animal or frightening
it by letting it see you. Skunks, are subject to epizootics of
rabies,
but this has not been a serious problem in Florida.
More Information
Skunk species
account from Illinois
Striped
skunk information (including tracks) from British Columbia
Spotted Skunk
track information
Striped Skunk
track information
University of
Nebraska Cooperative Extension (pdf)
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