The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is an established resident of Long Island, New York. It is the only skunk species found in the state. This adaptable omnivore thrives in the island’s diverse suburban and natural environments. Skunks are consistently reported across Long Island, often drawn to residential areas where food and shelter are readily available.
Current Status and Geographical Distribution
Skunks were once rare on Long Island, believed to have largely disappeared around the early 1900s. This decline may have been linked to the widespread use of insecticides on agricultural lands, which eliminated their insect food sources. However, sightings and reports have become frequent over the last decade, confirming their re-establishment across the region.
Skunks are present in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Their prevalence often correlates with the degree of development; they are more likely to be encountered in the heavily wooded eastern parts of the island, particularly Suffolk County. Despite this, their adaptable nature means they are increasingly seen in the suburban sprawl of Nassau County, utilizing green spaces and residential yards for foraging and denning.
Local Adaptations and Daily Habits
Skunks are nocturnal mammals, with activity peaking between dusk and dawn. They possess relatively poor eyesight, relying instead on acute senses of smell and hearing to navigate and locate food sources. This preference for nighttime movement allows them to avoid direct conflict with humans and many daytime predators.
Their diet on Long Island is highly opportunistic and omnivorous. Skunks forage extensively for insects, larvae, and earthworms, often leaving small, cone-shaped holes in lawns as evidence of their digging. In suburban settings, their diet expands to include fallen fruit, nuts, and accessible human food waste, such as unsecured garbage or pet food left outside. For shelter, they rarely dig their own burrows, preferring to utilize existing structures or creating a den under residential structures like sheds, porches, and decks. Mating occurs in late winter, from February to March, which can lead to a temporary rise in sightings and scent events.
Preventing Encounters and Managing Nuisance
Minimizing interaction with skunks begins with reducing the elements that attract them to residential properties: food, water, and shelter. Securing all garbage containers with tight-fitting or locking lids is paramount. Pet food and water bowls should never be left outdoors, especially overnight. Controlling the population of grubs in a lawn can also reduce the incentive for skunks to dig up the turf, as they are attracted to insect larvae.
Property owners should focus on exclusion techniques to prevent skunks from establishing a den. This involves sealing off potential entry points under porches, sheds, decks, and foundation gaps. Use galvanized wire mesh buried at least a foot deep and bent outward in an “L” shape to discourage digging.
If an encounter results in a skunk spraying a pet, the odor is best neutralized with a solution of one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, one-quarter cup of baking soda, and one teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Tomato juice only masks the scent. Skunks are known carriers of the rabies virus on Long Island. Any skunk displaying unusual behaviors, such as daytime wandering, aggression, or disorientation, should be reported immediately to local animal control authorities.