Animal identifier ยท Other mammals
Mephitis mephitis
Most of the U.S. and southern Canada. Five-toed track, about 1.5 to 2 inches.
What does a striped skunk look like?
Black with a white stripe that splits into two. Bushy tail.
What do striped skunk tracks look like?
Front claws are the clue. They extend well ahead of small toe dots. The trail is short-strided and pigeon-toed.
- Five-toed track, about 1.5 to 2 inches
- Long claws on the front foot often print ahead of the toes
- Hind foot is a small heel-and-toe print
- Waddling trail, sometimes with a drag
- Black body with two white stripes if seen
What does striped skunk poop look like?
Tubular, often with insect parts or berries, left in the open. Do not handle droppings. Several species carry parasites that stay in the soil around a latrine.
Where you find it
Most of the U.S. and southern Canada. Typical places: field, yard, woods. Year-round, with deep winter rest in the North.
What to do next
- Give it a clear exit
- Do not corner it
- Close openings under sheds
This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If an animal is injured, aggressive, or inside a house, call a local wildlife officer.
Animals it is confused with
- Raccoon identification
- All animal identification pages
- Identify an animal from a photo, track, or description
What do skunk tracks look like?
Small five-toed prints with long front claw marks and a short waddling stride.
How to tell a striped skunk from similar animals
Use the track, the dropping, and the place together. One print is not enough.
- Raccoon. Five fingers. Gray body, black mask, ringed tail.
Striped skunk field marks
- Five-toed track, about 1.5 to 2 inches
- Long claws on the front foot often print ahead of the toes
- Hind foot is a small heel-and-toe print
- Waddling trail, sometimes with a drag
Where the sign shows up
Most of the U.S. and southern Canada. Typical places: field, yard, woods. Year-round, with deep winter rest in the North.
Front claws are the clue. They extend well ahead of small toe dots. The trail is short-strided and pigeon-toed. Tubular, often with insect parts or berries, left in the open.
Common questions
What do skunk tracks look like?
Small five-toed prints with long front claw marks and a short waddling stride.