It is thought that these pads may explain the spotted skunks' tree-climbing ability. Skunks are opportunistic foragers, mainly subsisting on insects and rodents, but happy to find eggs, baby birds, and various fruits and vegetables. Toads and some caterpillars are rolled on the ground before consuming to remove skin toxins or spines. Skunks have been seen to open eggs in a mongoose-like fashion. They pass the egg under the body from front to hind feet, and then propel the egg, with a kick of the hind legs, against a hard surface.
Skunks are notorious for their primary protective behavior.
When faced with potentially mortal danger, a skunk can spray musk from its anal glands with great accuracy to a distance of six feet for the spotted skunk and 15 feet for the striped skunk. The substance it squirts towards its enemies is extremely noxious, causing gagging and temporary vision loss. The perceived enemy either flees, or is disabled long enough for the skunk to escape. The skunk will act out some warning behaviors before spraying. First the tail is raised and bristled and the back arched.