Not legal everywhere. Permits may be required or ownership may be restricted where you live. Check your state before buying.
Laws change. Verify with your state wildlife agency before purchasing.
Check your state's rules →Housing and enclosure setup
Most pet skunks live free-roaming indoors with a secure den box, litter trays in corners and a skunk-proofed house — they open cupboards and dig into furniture.
Provide dig boxes and puzzle toys to channel their foraging drive.
Diet
An omnivore diet of mostly vegetables with lean protein and a calcium source, carefully portioned. Skunks become obese easily. Cat or dog food should not be a staple.
Health basics
Obesity, metabolic bone disease from poor diet, and dental problems are common. No rabies vaccine is approved for skunks, so a bite may mean the animal is seized and euthanised for testing — find an exotics vet first.
Lifespan
Typically 8-12 years in captivity.
Beginner tips
Only buy captive-bred skunks from a licensed breeder, and keep your permit paperwork current. Never take one from the wild.
General guidance only. Nothing here replaces an exotics or avian vet who knows your animal.
Track it instead of guessing
Log weights, feedings, health events and care reminders for free in the keeper tools.
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