According to the Stephenville Empire-Tribune we are entering prime skunk mating season.  The normally shy striped skunks are out looking for love now that it’s mating season. Biologists say many budding romances will end in the stinky tragedy of roadkill.

The striped skunk’s breeding season is usually February through March. They have a gestation period of 62-75 days. Most young skunks are born in May. On average, five young are born per litter. Young striped skunks’ eyes and ears open after about 30 days, at which time they are able to musk (spray). They are weaned at 8-10 weeks of age. Once the babies are able to leave their dens, they follow their mother about. Dispersal of family units takes place usually in autumn.

There are no firm estimates of the striped skunk population in Texas, but experts believe that it numbers in the millions.

Image from http://www.nhptv.org