Skunks are present throughout North Carolina, though their primarily nocturnal behavior means they are rarely seen during daylight hours. These resourceful mammals are common across the state, adapting to environments from dense forests to suburban neighborhoods. Skunks are docile and non-aggressive; their presence usually becomes apparent only when their powerful chemical defense is deployed.
Identifying North Carolina’s Skunk Species
North Carolina is home to two skunk species: the widespread Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the more elusive Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius). These species differ significantly in size and the pattern of their black and white fur. The Striped Skunk is the larger and more recognizable, typically weighing between six and fourteen pounds, roughly the size of a large housecat.
Its coat is predominantly black, featuring a narrow white stripe on the face and two broad white stripes that run from the head down the back and onto its bushy tail. Conversely, the Eastern Spotted Skunk is much smaller and more slender, often weighing only one to four pounds. This smaller species is distinguishable by its broken white stripes and spots, which give it a “spotted” appearance rather than continuous stripes. The spotted skunk possesses a distinct triangular white spot on its forehead, a marking absent on the striped skunk.
State Distribution and Preferred Habitats
The geographic ranges of these two skunk species across North Carolina vary. The Striped Skunk is the most common and widespread, inhabiting the mountain, Piedmont, and northern Coastal Plain regions. This species is highly adaptable, thriving in wooded areas, open fields, and especially in suburban and agricultural settings where food is readily available.
Striped Skunks frequently create dens by digging into hillsides or utilizing abandoned burrows, or they seek shelter under porches, sheds, or other human-made structures. The Eastern Spotted Skunk has a more localized distribution within the state. This species is restricted to the mid-to-upper elevations of the Appalachian Mountains and the western Piedmont. They prefer rocky habitats, dense forest stands, and areas with extensive shrub cover, making them less likely to be encountered in urban settings.
Coexisting with Skunks and Mitigation
Skunks are omnivores; their diet consists of insects, worms, and grubs, along with small rodents, eggs, berries, and acorns. This foraging behavior often causes conflict, as they dig small, cone-shaped holes in lawns while searching for grubs. Securing potential food sources is the most effective way to prevent skunk problems, including using tight-fitting lids on garbage cans and feeding pets indoors.
Openings under porches, sheds, or decks should be sealed with hardware cloth or chicken wire. The barrier should be buried at least one foot deep and bent outward to prevent digging. Skunks are classified as a rabies vector species in North Carolina, meaning they are primary carriers of the virus alongside raccoons and foxes. It is illegal to trap and relocate skunks; any trapped animal must be released on-site or humanely euthanized.
If a pet is sprayed, the odor can be neutralized using a solution of one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, one-quarter cup of baking soda, and one to two teaspoons of liquid dish soap. Apply this mixture immediately to the pet’s coat, taking care to avoid the eyes, and then thoroughly rinse after five minutes. This chemical reaction is the only proven home remedy to break down the thiols in the skunk’s musk, unlike less effective methods such as tomato juice.