Michigan Students Are Studying Skunks – And They Really Need Your Help

Just seeing the 'skunk' makes you instantly smell the unmistakable, pungent aroma of the animal, doesn't it?

The good news is, you don't have to smell skunk in order to assist students at Michigan State University who are hoping to learn more about the black and white (and often smelly) creatures that are found all over the state of Michigan.

See a Skunk, Let Us Know

According to MSU's Brett DeGregorio, MSU students are looking to learn more about the creatures just by identifying where they are found.

In this post from DeGregorio, we did a double-take (and may have spit out a little bit of coffee) when we read the following words: Iconic, beautiful, under appreciated.

But in all seriousness, DeGregorio and his students are simply looking for Michigan Residents to share where and when they spot a skunk, regardless of whether it's alive or not.

Here's the link to report a skunk sighting.

"The striped skunk is an iconic wildlife species, easily recognized by its beautiful black and white fur pattern as well as by its notorious, pungent aroma. My students and I are interested in the activity patterns, behavior, and habitat use of this species that is so comfortable living in and around humans as well as in wilderness areas. If you encounter a skunk - please fill out the form below (or email me (degreg12@msu.edu)) to let me know when you saw it as well as where. Any sightings will help us better understand this under-studied and under-appreciated species that is so important for its role in ecosystems and importantly help us better predict when and where skunks are likely to get into conflict with people and our pets."