Why Skunks Are More Active In Indiana In March

If you start seeing more skunks wandering around Indiana this month, you are not imagining things.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife, March marks the peak breeding season for skunks in Indiana, which means the animals become much more active as they search for mates.

Why Skunks Are More Active In March

During breeding season, male skunks will travel far beyond their usual territories. Wildlife officials say males may roam as much as five miles in search of a mate.

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That increase in movement means Hoosiers are more likely to spot skunks crossing roads, wandering through neighborhoods, or exploring parks and wooded areas, according to the Indiana DNR.

Unfortunately, the spike in activity also leads to more vehicle collisions involving skunks this time of year.

While skunks are common across Indiana, they are usually fairly elusive. Their increased movement in March is one of the few times people regularly notice them.

Photo by Bryan Padron on Unsplash

Indiana DNR Wants Your Skunk Sightings

The Indiana DNR is asking residents to help track skunk activity across the state by reporting sightings through a special Skunks of Indiana project on iNaturalist.

Anyone who spots a skunk this month is encouraged to safely take a photo and upload it to the project page. Observations can include skunks seen alive or deceased.

Wildlife biologists say the information will help them better understand where skunks are living and which ecosystems they prefer across Indiana.

To encourage participation, the DNR is even offering a fun incentive.

At the end of March, the five people who submit the most verified skunk observations will receive a small skunk stress ball as a thank you for helping contribute to the research.

If you happen to see one of these striped visitors this spring, you might be helping scientists learn more about Indiana wildlife while also earning a quirky prize.

Animals You Might Encounter in The Wild in Indiana

There is no shortage of stunning wildlife in Indiana. Here are six species native to the state that you might encounter the next time you head outside.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals

12 Animals You Might Encounter on the Water in Indiana

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is looking for Paddlecraft Index Volunteers for its summer program. The organization hopes to track and monitor various species in and around Indiana waterways. Below are 12 key species that DNR says are particularly challenging to study. They say these are species that are easy for paddlers to recognize, and hope to gain more information about them through the program.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals