SYLVESTER
Striped Skunk
Mephitis mephitis
Life expectancy: Average 15 years in captivity; Less than 5 in wild
Habitat: Inhabits forests & grasslands. Native to North America and can be found in Central Mexico to Nunavut
and the Northwest Territories and across the Maritimes to British Columbia.
Born: 5/29/11
Characteristics: Omniverous, Nocturnal
Fun Facts About STRIPED SKUNKS
- Farmers like skunks because they eat insects that can destroy crops by using their long front claws to dig in soil.
- Skunks sneeze in order to clear out its nose so it can better smell plant food or animal prey.
- A snake bite cannot kill a skunk; they are immune to snake venom.
- Most skunks are poor climbers, excellent at digging and fairly slow when walking.
