Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 55 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 106 mm | 158 mm | 70 mm | 53 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 211 mm | 317 mm | 141 mm | 106 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 317 mm | 475 mm | 211 mm | 159 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 423 mm | 634 mm | 282 mm | 211 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 634 mm | 951 mm | 423 mm | 317 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,057 mm | 1,585 mm | 705 mm | 529 mm |
About the Striped Skunk#
The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is a skunk of the genus Mephitis that is native to southern Canada, the United States and northern Mexico. It is currently listed as least concern by the IUCN on account of its wide range and ability to adapt to human-modified environments.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Keep your distance and move slowly.
- Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
- Sightings peak in May, June, July, August and September, which is when you'll have the most chances.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Striped Skunk?
At about 55 cm long, a striped skunk fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 211 mm, or at 20 m with 423 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Striped Skunk?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Striped Skunk?
Observations in North America peak in May, June, July, August and September. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources