Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis

Skunks are mainly black and white animals, most about the size of a domestic cat, from the Americas. They are nocturnal. They are well-known for emitting an obnoxious stink from anal glands to deter predators, but only do so when they feel threatened. Their black and white colouring serves as a warning that predators remember and avoid.

The Striped Skunk is the most well-known and largest species of Skunk and is native to much of North America. The photo above right is of a leucistic striped skunk.

Males and females have similar markings. Males are solitary except when breeding. Females winter in small groups. Skunks used to be classed in the Mustelid family (with weasels, badgers, otters) but DNA evidence has led to them being put in their own, separate family.