Living with wildlife: Skunks

Skunks are gentle-natured animals that are mainly active at night. They usually avoid conflict and will only use their defensive abilities when they feel threatened, trapped, or attacked.

Even when humans or other animals come nearby, skunks generally prefer to ignore them as long as they are left undisturbed.

These animals can actually be helpful to farmers, gardeners, and property owners because they consume many insects and other pests that can damage crops and gardens. Although young skunks may look adorable and resemble small kittens, they are still wild animals and keeping them as pets is prohibited by law in many places.

Striped Skunks in Washington

Washington is home to two species of skunks. The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is the larger and more commonly recognized species. It is about the size of a house cat and usually measures between 22 and 32 inches long, including its tail.

The striped skunk has mostly deep black fur with two noticeable white stripes extending along its back. It is widely distributed across many lowland regions of Washington.

These skunks prefer open environments such as grasslands, farmland, pastures, and fields, especially areas close to brushy fence lines, rocky areas, and small wooded valleys. They are also occasionally found in suburban and urban neighborhoods, particularly where accessible water sources are available.

People may notice their presence either by seeing the animals themselves or by detecting their strong musky scent.

Spotted Skunks in Washington

The second skunk species found in Washington is the spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius), which is sometimes called a polecat.

This species is smaller than the striped skunk, with a total body length of around 14 to 18 inches, including the tail. Its coat is usually black or dark gray, decorated with white markings on the shoulders and sides, along with white spots on the forehead, cheeks, and rear body.

Habitat Preferences of Spotted and Striped Skunks

Spotted skunks can be found throughout western and southeastern Washington. Although both spotted and striped skunks occupy many of the same types of environments, they have slightly different habitat preferences.

The spotted skunk is more commonly associated with forests and wooded areas. Compared with striped skunks, it is less comfortable living near people and tends to avoid areas with heavy human activity.

Striped skunks, on the other hand, are more adaptable and are often able to live successfully in landscapes that have been changed by human development.