Skunks are a common sight across North Carolina, recognized by their distinctive black and white fur and their powerful defensive spray. These adaptable mammals are frequently encountered in various environments, from rural woodlands to suburban backyards. Understanding their behavior, preferred habitats, and how to manage interactions can help people coexist peacefully with these animals.
Skunk Species in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to two primary skunk species: the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius). The striped skunk is more prevalent, found throughout most of the state, including the mountains, Piedmont, and parts of the Coastal Plain. These skunks are comparable in size to a large housecat, weighing between 2.5 and 10 pounds, though males can be larger, reaching up to 14 pounds. They have a mostly black body with a prominent white stripe that begins on the head and often splits into two stripes running down their back and onto their bushy tail.
The eastern spotted skunk is less common and primarily inhabits the mid-to-upper elevations of the North Carolina mountains. This species is smaller than the striped skunk, weighing between 1 and 4 pounds, similar in size to a large tree squirrel. Eastern spotted skunks have a black coat with broken white stripes and spots, including a triangular white spot often visible between their eyes. While both species use a potent spray, the eastern spotted skunk is known for performing a “handstand” before spraying.
Where Skunks Live and What They Eat
Skunks in North Carolina adapt to a variety of environments, living in mixed woods, brushy areas, open fields, and rocky outcrops. They often prefer timbered areas and pastures that offer access to water sources. They also settle in human-modified landscapes, including suburban neighborhoods, agricultural areas, and the edges of urban zones. They often seek shelter under structures like decks, sheds, and porches.
Skunks are nocturnal, active primarily at night or early morning. They do not hibernate during winter but become dormant, spending most time in their dens. Dens can include self-dug burrows, abandoned burrows, hollow logs, tree cavities, or sheltered spaces beneath buildings and rock formations. Skunks are omnivores, eating about 80 percent insects, such as grubs, worms, and beetles, along with small rodents, bird eggs, and reptiles. They also supplement their diet with berries, acorns, other plant matter, and human food waste. Skunks often leave small, cone-shaped holes in lawns as they dig for grubs.
Preventing Skunk Encounters and Managing Their Presence
Several measures can reduce the likelihood of skunks frequenting a property. Securing garbage bins with tight-fitting lids and ensuring pet food is not left outdoors are effective steps to remove readily available food sources. Cleaning outdoor grills thoroughly after use and clearing away brush piles also make an area less appealing to skunks.
Sealing potential entry points under decks, sheds, and porches with materials like wire mesh prevents skunks from establishing dens in these sheltered locations. Addressing lawn grubs, a favored food source, by treating the lawn can also deter skunk activity. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers may also discourage skunks from entering a yard, given their nocturnal habits and poor eyesight.
If an encounter with a skunk occurs, remain calm. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises, as skunks have poor eyesight and can be easily startled. If a skunk approaches, slowly back away, allowing it space to retreat. Skunks provide warning signs before spraying:
Stomping their front feet.
Raising their tail.
Arching their back.
Hissing.
They spray only as a last resort when threatened.
If sprayed, keep the person or pet outdoors initially to contain the odor. If the spray contacts the eyes, flush them immediately with water. A common and effective home remedy for skunk odor involves mixing one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, one-quarter cup of baking soda, and one to two teaspoons of liquid dish soap.
This mixture should be applied to the affected area, allowed to sit for approximately five minutes, and then thoroughly rinsed. It is important not to store this mixture, as it can become unstable. Contrary to popular belief, tomato juice is not effective at neutralizing skunk odor.
Skunks are rabies carriers in North Carolina, making awareness important. While healthy skunks can be active during the day, signs of a rabid skunk include unusual aggression, disorientation, or uncoordinated movements. If a sick or aggressive skunk is sighted, contacting animal control or local authorities is the appropriate action. Vaccinating pets, including dogs, cats, and ferrets, against rabies is mandated by North Carolina law for animals four months of age and older.