Skunks are found throughout Florida. Florida is home to two distinct skunk species, each thriving in various environments. These animals are a natural part of Florida’s wildlife, inhabiting diverse landscapes from wild areas to more developed regions.
Skunk Species Found in Florida
Florida hosts two skunk species: the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius). The striped skunk is identifiable by its glossy black fur with two broad white stripes running down its back and tail. A thinner white stripe extends from its forehead to its nose, and its tail is long and bushy. Striped skunks are larger, measuring between 13 to 18 inches long, excluding their tail, and weighing 3 to 12 pounds.
The eastern spotted skunk, while also black and white, has a more varied pattern of broken white stripes and spots, often giving it a marbled appearance. This species is smaller and more agile than the striped skunk, reaching up to 2 feet in total length and weighing between 1.5 to 4 pounds. Eastern spotted skunks are known for their ability to climb trees, a behavior less common in their striped counterparts.
Florida Habitats and Distribution
Skunks in Florida inhabit a wide array of environments. Striped skunks are widespread throughout Florida, with the exception of the Keys. They prefer areas offering a mix of dense vegetation and open spaces, often favoring locations with large dead trees for shelter.
Eastern spotted skunks are also present across Florida, excluding the Keys and potentially the extreme northeast. They occupy areas with dense scrub cover, which provides protection from predators. Both species adapt to disturbed environments, including suburban yards, agricultural lands, and urban fringes, where food and water are available. They may create dens in hollow logs, brush piles, or burrows dug by other animals, and use man-made structures like sheds or porches for shelter.
Coexisting with Skunks
Skunks are primarily nocturnal, foraging for food. They prefer to avoid confrontation and are not aggressive unless threatened. If a skunk perceives a threat, it displays several warning signs before resorting to its defensive spray. These warnings can include arching its back, stomping its front feet, and raising its tail. Eastern spotted skunks may even perform a “handstand,” standing on their front feet with their back legs and tail in the air, as a warning display.
To avoid encounters, secure outdoor trash cans and pet food containers, as skunks are omnivores and scavenge for food. Sealing potential entry points to structures like sheds or crawl spaces can deter them from denning near homes. If you encounter a skunk, remain calm and slowly back away. The skunk’s spray, a sulfur-containing oily musk, can be accurately deployed up to 10-15 feet and can cause temporary blindness or nausea if it contacts the eyes. Allowing the animal space to retreat is the best way to prevent it from using its potent defense.