Once they are self- sufficient, and are old enough to mate, the males will wander off, and the females may or may not look for new territory. The population of skunks is relatively stable, because they have few natural enemies, other than man. In some areas, they are hunted for their fur, but only with a permit. The skunk is very unpopular, and has earned a bad reputation. Skunks are, however, an important part of our ecosystem, and help humans in ways we may not realize.
Skunks eat pest animals, such as rats, mice, and other rodents.
They eat insects, and worms, and help keep a balance of such animals. Most people take no interest in the skunk other than the occasional, unfortunate incidents of confrontation. Hunting skunks is not very popular. Many skunks are killed on the road every year, because they will not run away from a confrontation. They may try to spray the car, or are in the act of warning when they get hit.