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Striped Skunk
Biana was purchased as a kit in Chicago, where it was legal to own skunks as pets for a children's pet. Unfortunately, skunks make very challenging pets and the people didn't really know what they were getting into. So, Biana ended up in a cage in a dark garage. She was fed improperly and took a long time after being rescued to learn to trust people again.
Biana is great at showing natural skunk behavior (except the spraying part, she's been de-scented) at our programs!
Spritz is our new baby, added to our family on July 1, 2006 to help give Biana time off as Biana ages and needs more time off.
Please understand that skunks are not allowed to be kept as pets in North Carolina. You have to have special permits to keep them in captivity.
Thanks to cartoons like PePe Le Pew and others, skunks are one of the most widely recognized wild animals in America. With their distinctive black and white stripes and their notorious spaying of a foul smelling musk. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most misunderstood animals around. Cartoons make it appear, for instance that skunks just walk around emitting a horrible odor. This is untrue. A skunk's main defense is its highly developed scent gland, which it can use to spray, up to 20 feet, with great accuracy, anything which it feels is threatening its life. However, skunks also give three warning signals before spraying, they do not just walk around spraying "willy nilly". Only the spray of the skunk smells. So, skunks who have been de-scented, as ours have, have no scent associated with them.
In reality, skunks are very shy, quiet creatures, who could walk right past you and you would never even know it. Like most wild animals, they prefer not to have a confrontation and under normal circumstances will only do so if they feel cornered and in danger.
Unfortunately, skunks are one of the largest reservoirs for rabies in North America, so if you come upon one in the wild, it is best to steer very clear of them.
To the Native Americans, skunks symbolize understanding how to "walk your talk", reputation, sensuality, understanding energy flows, self-respect, courage, will-power, self-confidence, caution, perseverance and determination.
In The Wild
Classification: |
Mephitis Mephitis |
Native Region: |
North America |
Diet: |
Omnivores, they are opportunistic feeders, eating anything from fruits and vegetables to small rodents and eggs |
Behavior: |
Crepuscular, meaning that they are awake at dawn and dusk, though in fall and spring they can be seen out at many different times collecting food. |
Social Structure: |
While they are listed as solitary creatures, they are often found living in small colonies |
Interesting Facts: |
Skunks actually give three warnings prior to spraying. If you pay attention to those warnings, you can avoid being sprayed. They are also obsessive eaters, in captivity they will eat themselves to a very unhealthy state. |
If you see one: |
Skunks, by nature are shy and timid animals. They do not approach humans under normal circumstances and will not attack unless they feel backed into a corner or their life or that of their kits is in eminent danger. Seeing a skunk in the wild is rare, as they prefer not to allow themselves to be seen by humans. If you do see one, please stay away from them. While they are not large or vicious, they are a rabies vector species with very sharp teeth. You do not want them to feel they have no choice but to defend themselves. |