The striped skunk is a very distinctive mammal. Once thought to be in the weasel family, they are now in their own family with the five other species of skunks [exit DNR] found in North America. They average four to six pounds in weight and have long, bushy tails. They are well-known for their black fur with white stripes and their strong musk they spray as a defense. This musk is actually used as a base in many high-quality perfumes. Averaging six young, striped skunks give birth in May. They are nocturnal, meaning active at night, like most of the furbearers of Wisconsin. Their preferred food is mice, insects, fruits, carrion, eggs, reptiles and amphibians. Skunks may be harvested year-round in Wisconsin with a valid license.
