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Skunks, like bears, go into a state of torpor. This is a very groggy sleep that is intermittent and can be interrupted by periods of time awake and active. Hibernation is a physical state where the body significantly drops in temperature and the creature is immobile for a very long time. A hibernating animal almost looks dead and takes a very long time to wake up. An animal in torpor can be woken more easily, which is why it isn't safe to disturb bears who are in torpor sleep for the winter. Skunks take long torpor naps in their dens, and females often in groups. They will wake to look for food on warm days, and will need to come out of the den at least once to empty their scent glands.

This would explain why folks sometimes see, or smell, skunks during the winter months.

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12y ago

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