Striped Skunks On The Prowl

Striped Skunks avoid the colder spells of winter by slowing down their metabolism and entering into a state of torpor inside dens they dig themselves or in abandoned dens (often those of foxes).  Females often gather together during this time, while males tend to be more solitary.  Both have been found cohabiting with opossums and raccoons during the colder months. 

In the Northeast, peak breeding season for Striped Skunks is in March and this is when you are most likely to see skunk trails in the snow as they wander in search of a mate.  Skunks travel as much as two-and-a-half miles a night, with males entering the den of a female in estrus and mating with her.  While females only mate with one male, males attempt to mate with every female on their territory. (Photo: Striped Skunk tracks)

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