Mephitis macroura
Range
They are found In Mexico and some southwestern states in the U.S.Habitat
They live in scrubby grasslands, rocky areas and along rocky streams.Body Traits
They are mostly black with white stripes down the back onto the tail, similar to the striped skunk but much smaller (less than 2 pounds, about 2 feet long). They also have more white on the back, longer fur, and a longer tail. They have a long ruff of fur on the back of the head and neck (where they got their name), though their color patterns can vary. Like the striped skunk, they have small, clawed feet, a pointed face. They have toxic oil glands under the tail (anal glands) which which they can spray enemies.Habits
They are nocturnal. They are shyer than other skunk species and will try to escape rather than turn and spray unless cornered.Diet
They eat insects and some cactus and small mammals.Predators
They are killed by bobcats, owls, and humans.Reproduction
Females give birth from February through March and have about 3 kits.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Mephitidae
- Genus: Mephitis
- Species: M. macroura