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Striped Skunk
Nov 04, 2010
Originally the skunk kind did not use its musk to protect itself from its enemies because it had no enemies.
Design
Originally the skunk kind did not use its musk to protect itself from its enemies because it had no enemies. Skunks are mostly nocturnal animals. This feature keeps skunks and humans from accidental contact during the day. However, if contact does occur, the skunk will give fair warning before detonating its weapon. A unique feature of the skunk is its ability to delay the implantation of a fertilized egg. This allows the skunk to give birth in the spring when chances of survival for the young are the best.
Features
- The striped skunk is readily identified by its black body and two white stripes along its back and tail. The stripe length and width vary with each individual.
- Its claws are longer on the front feet to aid in digging.
Fun Facts
- The striped skunk is the most common one in North America.
- The fluid of the skunk, from the two glands near the base of the tail, has been used as a basis for many perfumes.
- The striped skunk may also eat trash that is left out by humans.
- A skunk can spray up to 10–20 ft (3–6 m).
Created Kind Members
Western spotted skunk, hooded skunk, hog-nosed skunk
CLASS: Mammalia (mammal)
ORDER: Carnivora (meat-eating)
FAMILY: Mephitidae (skunks and stinker badgers)
GENUS/SPECIES: Mephitis mephitis
Size: 21–27 in (0.5–0.7 m); tail is 9–13 in (0.2–0.3 m)
Weight: 2.5–10 lbs (1.1–4.5 kg)
Original Diet: Plants
Present Diet: Insects, small mammals, fish, and carrion
Habitat: Forests, plains, and deserts, as well as urban areas
