By Alisha Brewer
Love is in the air, quite literally. February marks the start of breeding season for our striped skunks, the most common type of skunk that lives here in Tucson. Hold onto your noses folks because it’s about to get stinky!
We have four skunk species that live with us here in Tucson; hog-nosed, hooded, spotted and striped. The striped skunk is the species that is most commonly seen and it’s our largest, averaging 6-10 pounds (so about the size of your average house cat…but don’t pet these guys). They are quickly identifiable by the thin white stripe between their eyes. The white stripe extends from the top of the skunk’s head down the back of its neck, where it typically breaks in two as it continues down the rest of its back. The bright white wishbone pattern is a strong contrast to the skunk’s jet black fur. The coloration acts as a warning signal for other animals to stay away.
Believe it or not, skunks are actually pretty easy going. If a skunk feels threatened and is unable to retreat, it will usually give ample warning before it unleashes its primary weapon- the anal spray. The skunk will warn its antagonist by hissing, arching its back and stomping its feet. The skunk will raise its tail and turn its back, threatening its final act. Should these attempts fail, the skunk will discharge its overpowering, nauseating and long lasting spray.
The skunk’s spray is a putrid smelling liquid that is shot directly out of its anus at distances up to 12 feet! The yellowish oil is produced in the skunks anal glands and then stored in two handy little sacs on either side of it’s anus. The liquid is considered a thiol, which means it is made up of mostly sulfur. This is the reason for the repulsively strong odor. Just like any oil, it does not mix well with water. In the case of a skunk’s spray, introducing water only makes it more pungent. (If you can believe that!) This very effective defense keeps coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions extremely uninterested in a skunk dinner. The only true predator that a skunk needs to be on the look out for are great horned owls, who cannot smell.
The lure of cupid begins in February with the males searching for potential mates. A female will choose only one suitor, so a stinky situation can unfold. With many males vying for the right to breed they will spray each other to show dominance and back down their competition. Since the ladies will choose only one lucky fellow, they need to be picky. Oftentimes a refusal includes a female spraying their unwanted wooers. Their spray can permeate the air over a mile away. Even Calvin Klein can’t mask this one.
Mom will give birth in late May to an average of 5-6 kits. The kits are born blind and will remain so for about three weeks. However, they can spray at only eight days old and can be a little trigger happy. At about two and a half months of age, the youngsters will emerge from their den to explore the outside world with their mom. Young skunks are very jumpy and are quick to deploy their spray until they learn the lay of their land. This gives a whole new meaning to the saying little stinkers.
So as we send our expressions of love to our family and friends this Valentine’s Day, I think we can all appreciate the fact that sulfur smelling, gag inducing, anal filled oil spray is not part of our normal repertoire. Though I do enjoy our skunks! A small creature packing so much punch is pretty stinkin’ awesome.
Alisha Brewer is a veteran zoo keeper of nearly 15 years. U of A alum. Boy mom, veggie dog connoisseur, anti Oxford comma and eternal optimist. Alisha hopes to connect residents to the incredible creatures that surround us.
