Species Profile

The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) belongs to the Mephitidae family, which includes badgers. Three other skunk species live in the United States: hooded and hognose skunks, which inhabit the Southwest, and the spotted skunk, which is found throughout much of the country. In the Eastern United States however, the spotted skunk extends north only to southwestern Pennsylvania.

The species commonly found in Pennsylvania is the striped skunk. Widespread, it is found in suitable habitat from sea level to timberline in all 48 contiguous states, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. The word “skunk” comes from the Algonquin Indian name for the animal, seganku. Other names include polecat and the French Canadian enfant du diable, or “child of the devil.”

skunk
Skunk