Quick answer
Skunks feed on omnivore (insects, small animals, fruit), adjusting seasonally based on local habitat and prey or plant availability.
Diet overview
Skunks are mammals that rely on omnivore (insects, small animals, fruit). The striped skunk is a cat-sized North American mammal best known for the foul-smelling spray it fires from glands under its tail to deter predators. Its bold black-and-white pattern is a warning to leave it alone.
Feeding behaviour
Foraging strategy varies by season. Skunks may hunt, graze, filter-feed, or scavenge depending on ecology.
Role in the food web
As mammals, they interact with predators, prey, and competitors across their range.
Human-related feeding risks
Never feed wild skunks — it habituates animals to people and can spread disease.
Sources
FAQs
What do skunks eat?
Omnivore (insects, small animals, fruit).
Are skunks carnivores or herbivores?
Their diet is best described as: omnivore (insects, small animals, fruit).
Do skunks change diet seasonally?
Yes — many species shift food sources as seasons and prey abundance change.
Can I feed wild skunks?
No — feeding wild animals is unsafe and often illegal.