![]() While skunks don’t hibernate, they’ll remain dormant underground during winter with a body temperature that remains near a normal level which is an average of 36.1˚C (97☏), according to Skunk Haven. However, early March is usually the mating season for skunks, and most kits are then born in May. It remains known that skunks don’t hibernate but the average length of time that they spend in their dens during the colder months varies by species and the mating season. These animals are attracted to areas where food is abundant, and since sheds and garages often contain bird feeders, they’ll hang out underneath. This means that if you live near a wooded area, you might also see skunks under your shed or garage. They’ll often use these hiding spots to rest up before returning home in the springtime. For example, they might hide in hollow logs, woodpiles, or under decks. Instead, they will also seek shelter in other places where they feel safe. However, skunks don’t always sleep in dens or burrows during the cold months when trees are collapsing due to the harsh winter weather. It’s important to note that skunks do not hibernate, but during the colder months, they remain in their dens and burrows for several weeks and during this time, they use their body’s fat stores to keep themselves warm. Related – Are Skunks Crepuscular, Nocturnal or Diurnal? Where Do Skunks Hibernate? This allows the skunk to save energy while maintaining a constant body temperature. This very low level of metabolism and body temperature can lead to daily torpor but even though it can be similar to hibernation, the only difference in skunks is that they aren’t asleep. When temperatures drop below freezing, the skunk’s metabolism slows down, allowing its body temperature to drop to a safe level. In some cases, however, these changes are not permanent and the animal’s metabolism returns to normal after the winter season passes. They may even stop urinating and defecating for several days. It just so happens that skunks can display a decrease in energy during cold weather.īut during this phase of lowered activity, most animals lose their appetite and also reduce their metabolism rate and breathing. However, this physiological state of dormancy called torpor is not seasonally dependent and can take place at any time of the year. Torpor is actually a natural state that became an important process for energy conservation that occurs in animals to decrease their need for food when it becomes unavailable. So when temperatures drop below freezing, skunks go into a state called torpor. However, they’re not sleeping they’re just resting at a lower body temperature. However, they still wake up and move around every now and then and you’ll notice them moving around more if there is a lot of snow on the ground.Įven though they don’t hibernate, Skunks will still need to conserve energy during the cold weather. Skunks do not hibernate in the winter, but they do tend to sleep more during colder times of the year. Do Skunks Come Out in the Rain Do Skunks Hibernate?.When Do Skunks Come Out of Hibernation?.What Temperature Do Skunks Hibernate in?.
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