Population Striped skunks live throughout Pennsylvania. Wildlife researchers have estimated an average of one skunk per 10 acres of prime habitat and 13.5 skunks per square mile of agricultural land. Mephitis mephitis has proven highly adaptable. Along with the woodchuck, raccoon, Canada goose, mourning dove, several species of blackbirds and other wildlife, the skunk prospers wherever humans clear land for farming and remove or drive out larger predators. Some farmers welcome their presence, realizing that these small predators eat many pest insects and rodents.
Skunks are susceptible to distemper and rabies.
Trapping may help minimize the impacts of disease on a skunk population. Local populations are also affected by severe weather, food scarcities and habitat change. Habitat Skunks live in a variety of habitats. They favor mixed woods and brushland, rolling weedy fields, fencerows, wooded ravines and rocky outcrops in or near agricultural areas. Although they may cover several miles each night while hunting, established individuals rarely wander more than a half-mile from their home burrows.