On March 17, 2025, I spotted a striped skunk foraging near the auto-tour road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. This wasn’t just any skunk—it had an unusual color pattern and distinctive physical traits that made it stand out from the typical black-and-white variety.
Unusually Colored Striped Skunk: A Unique Coloration
What first caught my attention was the skunk’s unusual fur color. Unlike the typical bold black-and-white pattern, this skunk had a mix of dark brown and black. Its head, legs, and underbelly were mostly black, while its back and sides featured rich brown hues, giving it an earthy, muted tone.
The signature white stripes were still present but more subdued. A thin white stripe began at the top of its head and split into two as it ran down its back. These stripes were bordered by dark brown fur, creating a soft contrast rather than the sharp black-and-white look most people expect. The skunk’s bushy tail was particularly striking, with a blend of colors. It started with some white fur at the base, blending into the back stripes, but gradually darkened into brown and black toward the tip, with hints of grayish-brown hairs interspersed.
This coloration is rare for a striped skunk. For comparison, here’s what a more typical striped skunk looks like: Striped Skunk Eating Grasshopper. It could be due to genetic variation or possibly a unique subspecies. Whatever the reason, it made for an eye-catching sight against the gravelly terrain and green backdrop of the refuge.
The Striped Skunk’s Unique Traits and Resilience
As I observed the skunk, I noticed something even more striking—it had one missing eye, and its remaining eye appeared milky, suggesting possible blindness or severe visual impairment. Despite these challenges, the skunk moved with confidence, using its nose to forage and navigate its surroundings with ease. It was a testament to the resilience of wildlife, demonstrating how animals adapt and thrive even in difficult circumstances.
This encounter was a reminder of nature’s diversity and the surprises it holds. Each wildlife sighting brings something new to appreciate, and this unusually colored skunk was a perfect example of nature’s unpredictability and beauty.