Quick answer
Skunks feed on insects, small animals and fruit, adjusting with season, age, and what is abundant in Woodland, grassland, farmland, suburbs. That label is a preferred pattern, not every item an individual might sample.
Key takeaway
Skunks feed on insects, small animals and fruit, adjusting with season, age, and what is abundant in Woodland, grassland, farmland, suburbs. That label is a preferred pattern, not every item an individual might sample.
Skunk diet overview
Skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are best summarised as Omnivore (insects, small animals, fruit). Anatomy and habitat (Woodland, grassland, farmland, suburbs) decide whether they hunt, graze, filter, scavenge, or mix strategies across the year.
How skunks find food
Energy-rich foods are prioritised when available; lean seasons force broader diets or longer travel. Young animals may eat different items or receive food from parents.
Skunk role in the food web
As consumers in their food web, skunks move nutrients and influence prey or vegetation.
Feeding and human conflict
Never feed wild skunks. Habituation raises injury risk and can lead to lethal management. Captive diets must match species needs, not generic pet food rules.
The famous spray
A skunk's defence is a pair of glands beside the anus that can fire a fine, oily, sulphur-based spray up to about 3 m (10 ft) with good aim. The smell is overpowering and can cause stinging and temporary blindness if it hits the eyes. Skunks would rather warn than waste it: a threatened skunk stamps its feet, hisses, raises its tail, and — in spotted skunks — may even do a handstand before spraying as a last resort.
Diet and behaviour
Striped skunks are opportunistic omnivores that eat insects, grubs, worms, small rodents, eggs, fruit, and human refuse, using their strong claws to dig for grubs and raid wasp nests. They are mainly nocturnal and largely solitary, though several may share a den in cold weather. Their bold coloration means they have few predators apart from the great horned owl, which has a poor sense of smell.
Sources
Skunk FAQs
What do skunks eat?
Skunks feed on insects, small animals and fruit, adjusting with season, age, and what is abundant in Woodland, grassland, farmland, suburbs. That label is a preferred pattern, not every item an individual might sample.
What is the scientific name of the skunk?
Mephitis mephitis — used in research and conservation listings for skunks.
Where do skunks live?
They are associated with Woodland, grassland, farmland, suburbs. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of skunks?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.