SKUNK

also called Polecat, or Zorrino, any of 11 species of New World carnivores of the weasel family (Mustelidae), noted for the offensive odour produced by glands on either side of the anal opening. Most species exhibit characteristic warning behaviour, such as foot stamping and (in spotted skunks) hand-standing on the front feet. If the threat continues, the animal turns its hindquarters toward the target and ejects a fine spray of yellow, odoriferous liquid as far as 3.7 m (12 feet). The odour arises from the decomposition of certain organic sulfur-containing compounds in the liquid. Species vary in size, but all have black-and-white fur patterns. Most species are nocturnal and principally terrestrial; they feed primarily on rodents, insects, eggs, birds, and plants. Their gestation period lasts about 4272 days; litters contain 2 to 10 young. Skunks are readily tamed as pets, and skunk pelts have commercial value. Their scent gland secretions provide a perfume base; their flesh, food. The best-known skunks are the following: Seven species of hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus) occur in open and wooded regions throughout the Western Hemisphere. Named for their characteristic long, naked snout, these species are also called badger, or white-backed, skunk. Their head and body length ranges from 30 to 49 cm (12 to 20 inches); tail length is between 16 and 41 cm, and they range in weight from 2 to 4.5 kg (4.5 to 10 pounds). They have coarse, black fur, with a white tail and, usually, a solid white back (the Amazonian, or striped hog-nosed, skunk, C. semistriatus, of Central and South America has two white dorsal stripes). The hooded skunk (Mephitis macroura) lives in southern North America and Central America, particularly in desert habitats. It is named for its characteristic neck ruff. Head and body length ranges from 31 to 41 cm, and tail length from 28 to 44 cm; weight is 2.5 kg or less. Hooded skunks have two colour phasesone with a mostly white back and tail, one with a black back and white stripes on the sides. Two species of spotted skunks (Spilogale) inhabit dry areas of North and Central America; they are also called civet, polecat, little striped skunk, civet cat, and hydrophobia cat. Head and body length ranges from 12 to 35 cm, and tail length from 7 to 22 cm; weight is usually between 0.2 and 1.0 kg. The hair is silky and black, variably patterned with numerous broken body and face stripes or spots. Spotted skunks are generally playful. Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis; see photograph) is found in most regions of North America. It is also called the common skunk, wood pussy, and polecat. Head and body length ranges from 31 to 46 cm, and tail length from 18 to 40 cm; weight is usually between 1 and 6 kg. The colour pattern is variable, but striped skunks are most frequently black with a narrow white forehead stripe and a white head patch extending onto the back, or even onto the tail, as a single band or as two stripes.