Both striped and spotted skunks can raid chicken houses. The worst offender is usually the spotted skunk because it can climb easily to gain access. Spotted skunks do dig up lawns in pursuit of grubs, and this is an annoyance to those who spend time and money to groom lawns. The concern of Rabies in striped skunks is very real. More striped skunks than all other species combined are tested positive for rabies every year, and this disease is always a threat to livestock, pets and man.
Striped skunks can destroy a significant number of waterfowl nests.
However, recent studies indicate that they may be beneficial to waterfowl populations because skunks are the only significant predator of a far more serious waterfowl, the snapping turtle. Striped skunks relish snapping turtle eggs, which are commonly found, unearthed and eaten. Six years of age is considered old for either a striped or spotted skunk.