Food Intake, Weight Changes and Activity of Confined Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis) in Winter

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Abstract
Four striped skunks (M. mephitis) were held outdoors near Winnipeg. Manitoba, Canada, throughout the winter with an unlimited food supply to examine aspects of winter dormancy in this species. Body weights and food intake were measured at monthly and weekly intervals, respectively. A treadle positioned at the entrance to each nest box and wired to an Esterline-Angus event recorder provided a continuous quantitative record of physical activity. No evidence of natural hypothermia was observed. Body weights increased in Oct. and Nov., remained stable in Dec. and Jan., decreased in Feb. and March, and increased in April. Physical activity followed the same fundamental pattern shown by food intake. Food intake and physical activity showed a strong correlation with ambient temperature. Skunks were largely nocturnal in Oct., Nov. and April, but were strictly nocturnal from Dec. to March inclusive. Depression in growth, food intake and physical activity observed in confined striped skunks in midwinter possibly are some of the characteristics of winter dormancy (carnivorean lethargy) in this species. The characteristics of winter dormancy may be more fully expressed in the absence of a winter food supply.

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