Skunks seem to prefer slopes for den sites, probably because these areas drain well. Normally solitary, males and females get together for breeding in February and March. Males fight with each other, although they rarely discharge musk during these conflicts. They travel widely in search of mates and breed with several females if possible. A mated female drives off males shortly after her three-day estrus period ends.
Skunk are capable of breeding in their first year.
Younger females may bear fewer young and give birth later in the year than older females. At birth, striped skunks weigh less than an ounce. They develop quickly. By November, young of the year are as large as adults. While family ties are usually broken in August or September, some mothers over-winter with their offspring.