The striped skunk, Mephitis mephitis, is a highly recognizable animal across North America, known for its distinctive black and white coloration and potent defense mechanism. This mammal is a highly adaptable omnivore, thriving in environments ranging from open woodlands and grasslands to suburban and urban areas. Its ability to consume a wide variety of food sources is a primary reason for its widespread distribution. The skunk’s diet is largely governed by what is most abundant and accessible in its immediate habitat, changing significantly with the seasons.
The Core Omnivorous Diet
The foundation of the striped skunk’s natural diet is animal matter, which can constitute up to 90% of its total food intake, with a strong preference for invertebrates. Skunks are notably insectivorous, often consuming large quantities of insects and their larvae during the warmer months. Specific prey includes ground beetles, scarab beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and grubs, which they dig for beneath the soil surface.
Beyond insects, the skunk’s carnivorous tendencies extend to small vertebrates and other invertebrates. They readily prey on small rodents like mice and voles, which become a more significant food source when insects are scarce in the winter. Amphibians such as frogs and reptiles like small snakes are also consumed, along with earthworms, snails, and crayfish. They are also known to raid the nests of ground-nesting birds and turtles, crushing one end of the eggshell to consume the contents. Plant material intake is generally lower but includes leaves, grasses, fungi, roots, and tubers, which provide supplementary nutrients.
Seasonal Shifts and Foraging Habits
The striped skunk’s diet exhibits a distinct seasonal rhythm, driven by the availability of high-energy food sources. During spring and summer, the diet focuses heavily on protein-rich insects to support breeding and growth. In late summer and autumn, the skunk shifts its focus to consuming more plant matter, such as berries, nuts, and seeds, to accumulate fat reserves necessary for surviving winter.
Foraging is primarily a nocturnal activity, with skunks using their keen sense of smell to locate food in the dark. They possess long, strong front claws adapted for digging and tearing apart rotten logs to expose hidden insects and grubs. This digging habit leaves behind distinct, small, funnel-shaped holes in the soil, which are a clear sign of their presence. Their deliberate, slow movements are less suited for chasing fleet-footed prey, making static food sources like eggs and buried insects their preferred targets.
Opportunistic Eating Near Human Habitats
The skunk’s adaptable nature makes it an effective opportunistic feeder, particularly near human development. In these environments, the animal quickly incorporates human food sources into its diet. Scavenging from improperly secured garbage cans provides a reliable and calorie-dense source of food scraps.
Pet food left outdoors is a frequent target and is readily consumed. Skunks also take advantage of cultivated areas, sometimes raiding vegetable gardens for produce such as corn, melons, and nightshade fruits. Their natural insectivorous diet extends to common garden pests, including slugs and snails. This dietary flexibility allows the skunk to flourish in suburban and urban landscapes where food is often concentrated and easily accessible.