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Skunks
usually breed in the spring, from February to May. A second
mating may occur later, if the skunk did not find a mate,
or fails to impregnate. Young are usually born in May or
June, with the average litter being 5 to 8 babies. Young
are weaned at 8 weeks and typically, stay with the mother
until they are 2 to 4 months old. Some juveniles will stay
with their mothers or siblings until the following spring.
Skunks are usually nocturnal, coming out well after dark.
Enemies include the Great horned owl, Fox, Coyote, and Badger.
When angered skunks stamp their feet, hiss, and growl. Skunks
don't usually spray in a fight with each other. It seems
that skunks don't care much for the strong scent them selves.
It is mostly used for defense. Two glands under the tail,
generate the strong smelling musk. They stand on their front
paws, tail against their backs as they face their victim
to spray with a mist or stream.Up to 3 meters (10 ft ) they
are very accurate, But can reach nearly 5 meters (16 ft)
At that distance the accuracy suffers greatly.
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