Skunk enemies11/19/2023 ![]() They hiss, click their teeth, stamp their front feet, and do headstands with the tail raised in a very clear warning posture. They arch their back and walk toward the intruder. They use a wide range of behavioral threats to frighten predators before resorting to the spray. Skunks have evolved a very conspicuous black and white colouring to deter their enemies. The high physiological cost of manufacturing the musk also makes them hesitant to spray. Skunks are not immune to their own spray and try to avoid spraying if they are likely to be soiled. As an external spray however, it is only temporary, although intensely nauseating and irritating. When ingested, the musk poisons the nervous system, and can cause death. The musk gland contains about 28.4 ml of an oily sulphur-alcohol solution called butyl mercaptan, enough to produce half a dozen sprays. At distances of 1.8 metres to 3.1 metres, their aim is accurate enough to hit most large mammals. With considerable muscular control over the spray, the skunk is able to produce a fine cloud of mist or to direct a concentrated stream of spray on animals as far away as 4.8 metres. ![]() When the animal is annoyed or frightened, those muscles force the fluid musk down a duct and out through a kind of nipple protruding from the anus. The musk glands of the striped skunk, about the size of a grape, are surrounded by powerful sphincter muscles. Lifespan is four years in the wild and up to six years or more in captivity.Īll mustelids have anal musk glands that are used to express aggression or displeasure, but skunks have developed this capacity to the extreme. The young remain with the mother all summer, foraging with her until autumn, when some of them disperse. The male plays no part in raising the young. The mother is very protective of her kits and often sprays at any sign of danger. Generally, they stay with their mother until they are ready to mate at about one year of age. The kits are weaned for about two months after birth. By eight days, the youngs musk odour can be emitted. When born, skunk kits are blind, deaf, and covered in a soft layer of fur. She gives birth after a gestation period of about 66 days. Before giving birth, the female excavates a den to house her litter of four to eight kits. However, females that lose their litters may mate again. Once a female is impregnated, she fights off any male that tries to mount her. The male grasps the female by the nape, followed by mounting and copulation. When encountering an estrous female, a male will approach her from the rear and then smell and lick the vulva area. Skunks typically mate in early spring and are polygynous, meaning that (successful) males seek to mate with more than one female. Please note that the Greenhouse is closed for renovations. Alternative facilities are available at Peacock Café and Discovery Zone. Please note the all-gender restrooms in the Education Building will be temporarily closed until approximately 12:00pm on November 11, 2023, as part of our Remembrance Day Ceremony. Steller's sea eagles are temporarily on display in the Canadian Domain. Please note, the following animals may not be viewable at this time: ![]() The outdoor habitat opens at 1:00pm on weekdays. Please note that as the weather cools the orangutans may not be viewable in their new outdoor habitat depending on minimum temperatures. Please note due to maintenance/repairs in the First Aid Centre and Family Centre these areas will be closed on Friday, November 10. If you need medical assistance please call 41 Be cautious of unauthorized discounts or sales outside our website, as they are NOT affiliated with us. We DO NOT partner with third-party vendors. IMPORTANT: Buy tickets ONLY on our official website,.
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