Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis (Schreber, 1776)    
Kingdom Animalia   >   Phylum Chordata   >   Class Mammalia   >   Order Carnivora   >   Family Mephitidae   >   Genus Mephitis   

Status:

Striped Skunks are the common and widespread skunk species in Maryland. They are nocturnal omnivores found in a wide variety of habitats throughout the state. Although not frequently seen, their potent odor is familiar to most Maryland residents. Don't worry, they will generally flee or stomp their front feet before resorting to using their famous defense mechanism.

Relationships:

Omnivorous and opportunistic. Feed on plants, insects, worms, reptiles, amphibians, eggs, small mammals, carrion, and much more.

There are 126 records in the project database.

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Striped Skunk in Talbot Co., Maryland (4/12/2022). (c) robinzs, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by robinzs via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

A Striped Skunk in Dorchester Co., Maryland (2/15/2020). Photo by Ben Springer. (MBP list)

A Striped Skunk in Wicomico Co., Maryland (11/10/2011). Photo by Mike Ostrowski. (MBP list)

A Striped Skunk in Wicomico Co., Maryland (11/10/2011). Photo by Mike Ostrowski. (MBP list)

Striped Skunk in Garrett Co., Maryland (5/9/2023). (c) Mike Mosser, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Mike Mosser via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

A Striped Skunk in Charles Co., Maryland (5/17/2014). Photo by Jim Stasz. (MBP list)

Striped Skunk in Montgomery Co., Maryland (2/15/2023). (c) Stephen John Davies, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Stephen John Davies via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

Striped Skunk in Garrett Co., Maryland (7/29/2019). (c) kyle klotz, all rights reserved. Photo by Kyle Klotz. (MBP list)

Striped Skunk in Garrett Co., Maryland (5/9/2023). (c) Mike Mosser, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Mike Mosser via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

Striped Skunk in Wicomico Co., Maryland (11/10/2011). (c) Mike Ostrowski, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Photo by Mike Ostrowski. (MBP list)

A Striped Skunk in St. Mary's Co., Maryland (6/8/2013). Photo by Mikey Lutmerding. (MBP list)

A Striped Skunk in St. Mary's Co., Maryland (6/8/2013). Photo by Mikey Lutmerding. (MBP list)

A Striped Skunk in St. Mary's Co., Maryland (6/8/2013). Photo by Mikey Lutmerding. (MBP list)

Striped Skunk in Calvert Co., Maryland (1/3/2021). (c) Mikey Lutmerding, all rights reserved. Photo by Mikey Lutmerding. (MBP list)


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