This site uses cookies for analytics and advertising. Accept them all, decline them all, or choose which ones you allow. Learn more in our privacy policy.

Bobcat OR Grizzly: Brawl on the Wild Side Learn More...
Entrance sign at Zoo Montana showcasing wildlife and family-friendly attractions.
Tickets
Donate
Wildlife at Zoo Montana, showcasing native animals and family-friendly exhibits in Billings, Montana.Visitors observing animals at Zoo Montana's outdoor wildlife exhibit.
Adorable black bear cub with tongue out at Zoo Montana.

Striped Skunk

Mephitis mephitis
Back to Animals →

Striped skunks are named after their iconic coloration and patterns. Their fur is primarily black with a large white ‘V’ extending from the back of their head to the base of their large, bushy tails. Another white stripe of fur runs between their eyes.
Skunks are well known for their primary defense mechanism: musk! Although they are not quick to spray, their foul-smelling musk acts as a deterrent to animals that threaten them. Before spraying, skunks will give a warning by hissing or stomping their feet.

Our Current Residents

Black-footed ferret with tongue out, in natural habitat at Zoo Montana.

Cody

Cody was named after Cody, Wyoming where the pair were found. If you are looking for Cody, he has a thicker face stripe and a black spot on the white stripe on the back of his neck.  

Gender: Male

Birthday: Born in April 2021 (estimated and celebrated)

Skunk at Zoo Montana with distinctive black and white fur and bushy tail.

Shane

Shane is named after a previous employee who has a deep love for skunks.  If you are looking for Shane, he has a thinner face stripe than his brother. 

Gender: Male

Birthday: Born in April 2021 (estimated and celebrated)

Taxonomy

Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Carnivora
Family:
Mephitidae
Species:
Mephitis mephitis

Animal Facts

Diet:
Omnivore: mainly eat insects like crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, eggs, fish, etc
Population Status:
currently listed as Least Concern
Habitat:
grasslands, forests, agricultural fields, and even urban areas
Activity:
nocturnal (or crepuscular)- mostly active during the night (or dusk and dawn)

Today's Hours

10:00am to 2:00pm

Meet More Animals!

Meet All Animals
Black and white skunk with pink tongue, sitting outdoors at Zoo Montana.

Join & Save

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Become a Member
Visitors viewing diverse animals at Zoo Montana wildlife exhibit.

Signup for our newsletter





    Visitors exploring diverse animals at Zoo Montana's wildlife exhibit.

    Hours

    Fall Hours

    • Every Day: 10:00am to 2:00pm

    Guests are permitted to stay on grounds one hour after closing.
    *Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Inclement weather and special events may also alter operational hours.