Striped Skunk
Mephitis mephitis
moderate risk
other
Overview
Well-known mammal that grubs lawns for food and uses powerful spray for defense. Primary carrier of rabies in some regions.
Domestic-cat sized, 53-77cm including tail. Glossy black with two white stripes from head to tail tip. Bushy tail.
Prevention Strategies
- •Grub control to remove food source (reduce attraction)
- •Exclusion under decks and sheds with hardware cloth
- •Remove garbage and food sources
- •Motion-activated lights
Control Methods
- •Exclusion with hardware cloth buried 30cm
- •Live trap (approach carefully with large cloth to cover)
- •Professional wildlife removal recommended
- •Resolve grub problem to reduce attraction
Interesting Facts
- •Can spray accurately up to 3-4 meters
- •Spray odor can be detected by humans up to 1.6km away
- •Stamp feet and arch tail as warning before spraying
- •Actually beneficial predators of Japanese beetle grubs and other lawn pests