The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is a highly recognizable North American mammal, known for its distinctive coloration and potent defense mechanism. This species is classified as an opportunistic omnivore, meaning its diet is varied and changes significantly based on what food sources are most readily available throughout the year. Skunks are adaptable foragers, utilizing their strong sense of smell and sharp claws to locate and access a wide array of sustenance. Their ability to thrive in diverse habitats, from agricultural lands to suburban environments, is directly linked to their broad and flexible dietary preferences.
Primary Animal-Based Diet
Animal matter forms the foundation of the skunk’s natural diet, often constituting 80 to 90 percent of its food intake. During warmer seasons, the skunk functions primarily as an insectivore, consuming large quantities of invertebrates. This includes agricultural pests such as grasshoppers, crickets, beetles and their grubs, and the larvae of moths and butterflies.
Skunks actively forage using their specialized forefeet and long claws, often prying apart rotting logs or excavating insects from the soil. They leave small conical pits as evidence of their presence. Beyond insects, skunks also consume other invertebrates like worms and crayfish.
The animal portion of the diet also extends to small vertebrates, such as mice, voles, and amphibians. They prey on the eggs and nestlings of ground-nesting birds, and consume small reptiles. Skunks readily consume carrion, or dead animals, which provides protein when live prey is scarce.
Seasonal Plant and Vegetable Consumption
While animal matter provides the bulk of the diet, plant-based foods become increasingly important as seasons change. Skunks incorporate various fruits, berries, and seeds into their diet when they are seasonally available, including wild options like blueberries and black cherries. They also consume vegetation such as corn and nightshade.
The consumption of plant matter typically increases during the late summer and fall months. This seasonal shift helps them build up fat reserves for the winter. Although skunks do not truly hibernate, they enter a period of inactivity and depend on stored body fat to survive the coldest periods.
Plant-based foods also include nuts, roots, and fungi, which are foraged opportunistically on the ground. In cultivated areas, skunks may consume agricultural products, such as fallen fruits or low-hanging vegetables. Plant matter generally accounts for only 10 to 20 percent of the total food volume.
Opportunistic and Domestic Food Sources
Skunks easily adapt their feeding habits when living near human habitation, where food sources are calorie-dense and reliably available. They are commonly drawn to improperly sealed garbage containers, using their strong sense of smell to locate these concentrated sources of waste.
Outdoor pet food is another frequent target, as unattended bowls of dog or cat food present a predictable source of nourishment. Spilled bird seed left beneath feeders also attracts skunks. Relying on these domestic resources can alter the skunk’s natural foraging patterns, leading them to hunt less.
Skunks also engage in garden raiding, targeting agricultural products that grow close to the ground. They feed on items like pumpkins, melons, and other low-lying vegetables. This flexibility in utilizing human-associated food sources explains why the skunk has successfully adapted to both rural and urban environments.