Do skunks hibernate in the winter?

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There are many different kinds of mammals that will spend the winter time hibernating. For example, most are familiar with the idea that during the coldest time of the year that a bear will find a cave or other secluded location where it can sleep off the winter months, waiting for it to become warmer outside.



Bats are another animal that is known to hibernate. These animals will find a cave where they can hibernate in large groups, known as colonies, hanging from the ceiling of that cave while they sleep. As with the bear, when it gets warm enough outside they will then awaken and return to their normal routine.

There are many animals that will hibernate, but not all of them do. There are many that choose not to hibernate or that this is not a normal part of their life pattern. Because of how horrific these animals can be, many wonder if skunks hibernate in the wintertime? That's a really good question.

The primary reason why people would hope that skunks would hibernate is they would like to believe that for at least a few months out of the year they could feel safe from these horrible creatures. A skunk may look really cute on the outside, we all know that if you come in contact with one of these creatures and it feels threatened or startled by you, that they will turn their back on you, and release their anal spray.

This oil-based spray can have horrific effects on whoever or whatever it is used against. Not only does it smell incredibly bad, but it also causes your eyes to water, and can make you choke or gag. It truly is horrible.

It is for this reason that many hope that they can at least enjoy the winter months not having to worry about a skunk coming out and spraying them. Fortunately, your prayers may be answered.

While skunks did not hibernate as some other animals do, they do create dens for them to use during the wintertime where they will stay for the vast majority of the colder months of the year. In this location, the skunk will have a small amount of food, but will live off of the fact that it has built up during the spring, summer, and fall months. It will then continue to stay in this location and tell it is warm enough for it to go out and continue on with normal life processes.

The skunk is not sleeping or hibernating as we come to know it during these months, but is just in a state of decreased activity, yet still alert to what is going on around it. It is also not uncommon for a skunk to have more than one den that it uses during the winter months. This way if it needs additional food or its primary location is compromised in some way then it can turn to the other location. At least, you won't have to worry about a skunk coming out and spraying you during these months.

For more information, you may want to click on one of these guides that I wrote:
How much does skunk removal cost? - get the lowdown on prices.
How to get rid of skunks - my main skunk removal info guide.