Skunks are known for their distinctive black and white fur and infamous spray that wards off predators and annoy humans. But do these smelly critters also dig burrows and tunnels underground like other animals? Let’s take a closer look at the burrowing and denning habits of North America’s most recognizable stinkers.
What Kind of Animal Is a Skunk?
Skunks belong to the Mephitidae family, which includes stink badgers, hog-nosed skunks and other skunk species. There are four common skunk species found across most of North America:
– Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) – the most abundant and recognizable with prominent black and white stripes
– Spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius) – small and weasely-looking with a white stripe along the back and spots/broken stripes along the sides
– Hooded skunks (Mephitis macroura) – found in the southwest U.S., similar to striped but with more white fur on back of neck/head
– Hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus leuconotus) – largest species found in southwest states with completely white back
Skunks are omnivorous, eating a varied diet of insects, small mammals, eggs, berries and more. They are primarily nocturnal and solitary creatures that interact to mate or a mother with kits (baby skunks).
Do Skunks Dig Burrows?
Skunks do not typically dig their own underground burrows or tunnel systems like groundhogs, foxes, or rabbits do. However, they will often shelter inside existing burrow networks built by other animals.
For example, striped skunks will seek out vacated woodchuck or fox dens, expand the tunnels a bit, and use them for raising young and temporary shelter on cold winter days. Spotted skunks take over burrows made by rock squirrels or badgers.
Part of the reason skunks do not dig extensive burrows is due to their lack of longer claws for effective digging. Their diets and sheltering habits also differ from classic burrowing creatures.
Where Do Skunks Nest and Take Shelter?
While they do not create elaborate tunnel systems, skunks still need a safe, warm space to sleep, bear young, and hide from bad weather and predators. Some common skunk dens include:
– Wood/Brush Piles – Skunks will crawl inside piles of logs, fallen branches or other vegetation. The spaces within provide insulation.
– Under Buildings – Porches, sheds, decks with just enough clearance or crawl spaces make ideal spots for skunk families.
– Burrows – As mentioned, skunks will move into vacated burrows of woodchucks, foxes or badgers. These ready-made tunnels act as instant shelters.
– Dense Vegetation – Tall grass, shrubs and thicket provide cover for quick naps or refuge for mother skunks with babies. The tiny kits cannot travel far from the den when very young.
– Rock Crevices – Spotted skunks, hog-noses and others sheltering in rocky desert landscapes will tuck themselves into openings between boulders.
Skunk dens are normally re-used year after year. Some evidence even suggests up to 50 generations may occupy the same space over decades! Females are very protective and will spray if the den area or kits are threatened.
Unique Skunk Defense and Nocturnal Behavior Reduce Need to Burrow
Skunks have few natural predators thanks to their effective (and odiferous) line of defense – spraying a strong-smelling musk up to 10-15 feet towards the threat. This removes the need to create a fortified underground haven. Their nocturnal nature also means skunks bed down during daylight hours when predators are more active.
Instead of expending copious energy digging long tunnels, skunks focus this effort towards breeding and raising litters of 2-10 kits in spring/early summer. Their mating ritual is quite elaborate, with males doing a little “dance” to determine the female’s receptiveness before coupling.
In Conclusion
While skunks do not create their own burrow systems, they will conveniently move into abandoned dens, woodpiles, vegetation and rock crevices that offer shelter and safety. Their unique odor weaponry and nocturnal lifestyle reduce the need for elaborate underground excavations. So rest assured that skunks won’t be digging underneath your property anytime soon! But they may check out that untidy woodpile out back.
I hope this detailed overview helps explain the underground habits of skunks in North America. Let me know if you have any other wildlife or nature questions!