Skunks are present in Maryland and are a common sight across the state. These adaptable mammals inhabit a wide range of environments, from dense woodlands to bustling urban areas. Understanding their habits and preferred locations can help residents coexist peacefully with these distinctive creatures.
Skunk Species and Habitats in Maryland
The most prevalent skunk species found throughout Maryland is the Striped Skunk, scientifically known as Mephitis mephitis. This species is easily recognizable by its characteristic black fur with a prominent white stripe that typically begins on the forehead and divides into two stripes down its back, leading to a bushy, often black and white tail. Striped skunks are roughly the size of a house cat, weighing between 4 to 9.9 pounds, and possess strong forefeet with long claws adapted for digging.
Striped skunks are highly adaptable, thriving in diverse habitats across Maryland, including mixed woodlands, open fields, and brushy areas. They are also frequently encountered in suburban and urban environments, often seeking shelter under porches, decks, or in abandoned burrows. They often reside within two miles of a water source.
Living Alongside Skunks
Skunks are primarily nocturnal, active from dusk until dawn. As omnivores, their diet is broad and seasonal, consisting mainly of insects like grubs, beetles, and crickets, as well as worms, small rodents such as mice and voles, and bird eggs. They also consume various plant materials, including fruits, nuts, and grains, and are known to forage in garbage if accessible.
Their most well-known defense mechanism is the ability to spray a strong, foul-smelling liquid from scent glands, a mixture primarily composed of thiols. Skunks employ this spray as a last resort when they feel threatened, often providing warnings first by stomping their front feet, hissing, or raising their tail. The spray can reach distances of 10 to 12 feet, deterring most predators.
To discourage skunks from frequenting yards and homes, securing potential food sources is important. This includes using tight-fitting lids on garbage cans and removing pet food, bird seed, and fallen fruit from outdoor areas. Sealing entry points under decks, sheds, and porches with sturdy barriers can prevent skunks from establishing dens. Bright lights, especially motion-activated ones, can deter these nocturnal animals.
If an encounter with a skunk occurs, it is best to remain calm and avoid sudden movements, as skunks have poor eyesight and may be startled easily. Giving the animal ample space allows it to move away without feeling threatened. Skunks are also known carriers of rabies, so any skunk exhibiting unusual behavior, such as disorientation or unusual tameness, should be avoided and reported to local animal control.