Most people rarely think about skunks in groups – they’re typically solitary creatures. But English, like any language, has a name for almost everything, including a gathering of these famously odorous animals. A group of skunks is called a surfeit.
Why “Surfeit”? The Logic Behind the Name
The word “surfeit” means an excessive amount of something. This isn’t accidental. Skunks are notorious for their potent defense mechanism: a spray that can linger for miles. A surfeit of skunks, therefore, implies an overwhelming and unpleasant experience – a fitting description given their capabilities.
The Solitary Life of a Skunk
Adult skunks spend most of their lives alone, foraging for insects, grubs, rodents, and other small prey. This solitary behavior minimizes competition and trouble, which explains why encounters with multiple skunks are unusual. They only come together during mating season or when females raise their young. Even then, these groupings are temporary. Once the kits mature, they disperse to establish their own territories.
The Power of the Spray
Skunks are best known for their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid from their anal glands. This isn’t just a defense; it’s a highly effective deterrent. The stench can travel up to a mile, warding off predators like foxes, birds, and even deer. Humans, dogs, and cats quickly learn to avoid provoking them.
Skunks in the Ecosystem
While their spray is infamous, skunks play an important ecological role by controlling insect and rodent populations. They often seek shelter under decks, sheds, or abandoned burrows, foraging for food in yards. Though encounters are rare, knowing the term “surfeit” adds a curious footnote to the history of this memorable animal.
The name “surfeit” for a group of skunks isn’t just quirky; it’s a linguistic reflection of their powerful, and often overwhelming, presence.
