Skunks possess a triangular-shaped head with a reasonably elongated body with muscular, short legs and long, sharp and non-retractable claws. Striped California skunks are approximately the size of a grown-up house cat, and the fur of skunks is typically black with white fur on top of the neck and head. In most skunks the white lengthens down the back, commonly splitting into two white stripes. On the other hand, spotted skunks are black in color with white short white streaks or spots. Spotted Oxnard skunks are smaller compared with the striped skunk, around half of a normal house cat size.

Biology and Manners
Striped California skunks are mainly active at dawn and at night however can be also active during the daytime, mostly in human-use areas. Conversely, spotted skunks seldom go out during the daylight. Skunks have a brilliant sense of smell as well as good hearing; however they have a very poor vision. Thus, they are frequently hit by vehicles when crossing roads. Skunks may not respond if someone at least 10 feet away is silent and moving slowly or standing still. In good physical shape skunks are mild-tempered creatures. They're not violent and, given the chance, prefer to run away rather than fight. Skunks usually only protect themselves when abruptly cornered, harmed, or frightened. Skunks regularly provide a caution before spraying their scent by hissing, stamping their forefeet quickly, and bending their tail over its back. These Oxnard animals prefer not to discharge given the time necessary to refill their spray supply. Hence, using risk avoidance around these animals should considerably reduce the likelihood of being sprayed.

Life Cycle
Breeding typically occurs from February to March. Gestation period is about nine weeks and litters range from four to six kits. After at most three months, the kits can be noticed following the mother skunk as she makes her evening rounds in search for food. Skunks are adept of breeding the spring after birth. The typical life span of California skunk is around two to three years, though they can sometimes live up to seven years in the wild.

Habitat
Skunks are enticed to residential spaces by the accessibility of shelter, food, and water. They become an annoyance when they settle under decks, porches, garden device sheds, or homes. Skunks scent is generally not welcome around the house, and they habitually spray dogs that growl or bark and approach quickly. Skunks live in hollow logs, fallen trees, and dens. They can be seen in deserts, mountains, and woods. During winter, California skunks create warm underground holes. They place their dens with leaves and grass. Their burrows have at least two entrances in case of threat. In cold climate, skunks usually share their burrows with other creatures such as Oxnard raccoons and rabbits.

Diet
Skunks search for food during nighttime. They are generally nocturnal creatures. They search at night and normally sleep during daytime. They consume beetles, grasshoppers, wasps, and crickets. Snails, worms, fruits, nuts, and grass leaves are likewise part of their diet. Skunks will also resourcefully feed on birds' eggs, which can outcome in considerable damages to ground-nesting Oxnard birds when skunks densities are quite high.

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