This balancing act usually lasts for about 5 seconds at a time. The species can spray an offender from this position. Spotted skunks are almost strictly nocturnal, usually retiring to a den before daylight, and coming out only after dark in the evening. Skunks are not true hibernators, but both species may spend weeks at a time in dens during cold temperatures and deep snow conditions. Striped skunks usually utilize underground dens that have been made by badgers, groundhogs or foxes.
Spotted skunks prefer dens under or in old buildings.
Oftentimes, a den will on the second floor of an old barn. Dens in haylofts are common, and the spotted skunks easily clim to the elevated areas. Slow and poorly sighted furbearers, striped skunks are opportunistic feeders. Grubs and insects are commonly located and dug out of the ground, along with juvenile mice, rabbits, and ground nesting birds or eggs found. Fruits and grains are eaten when available, and carrion is commonly eaten during the winter months when many foods are not available.