In Texas, most of the young appear in the first half of May. There is some evidence that two litters may be born to certain females, but one litter seems to be the general rule. The nursery is a cavity under a rock, a burrow, or a thicket of cactus or other protective vegetation. Usually the mother builds a nest of dried grasses and weed stems for the blind, helpless young. The young remain in the nest until their eyes are open and they are strong enough to follow their mother.
Striped skunks have few natural enemies.
Owl, hawks, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and dogs may occasionally take one, but most predators are repulsed by the odor of their musk. Striped skunks are highly susceptible to being struck by vehicles, and road-killed animals are commonly seen along highways throughout Texas. Individuals seldom live more than two years in the wild. When disturbed or startled, skunks utter a peculiar purring sound and often growl when attacked by man. They typically express their anger by rising upon their hind feet, lurching forward, stamping both front feet, and at the same time clicking their teeth.