The striped skunk is found almost everywhere in the United States. It is a very common animal. It likes to live in forests, woodlands and open areas. It also makes its home in the suburbs.

It is easy to recognize a skunk. It is black with long white stripes on its back. Its tail is a mixture of black and white. It is slow moving. The striped skunk has large claws on its front feet. These claws help a skunk to dig.

A skunk is nocturnal and sleeps during the day. When threatened, the striped skunk turns around, lifts its tail and sprays a strong scent at the predator. The spray may carry up to 10 feet. The spray is very smelly! The male skunk is solitary. It may mate with many females.

A baby striped skunk is born deaf and blind. It can spend up to a month in the den. The mother nurses the babies during this time.