Skunk

Skunk, any individual of the genus Mephitis, of the Weasel family, with three species, ranging from Canada and British Columbia to Guatemala. The general coloration is black and white; in broad longitudinal masses, the under surface being black, and the tail is bushy. In these animals the power of discharging the offensive contents of the anal glands reaches its highest development, and the secretion is so foetid that its odour can be perceived at a considerable distance, and often causes nausea, and clothes soiled with it can only be cleansed after repeated washings or hanging in smoke. Skunks are nocturnal animals, living on the ground or in burrows, and feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles insects, worms, roots, and berries. The Common Skunk (M. mephitica) is about the size of a small cat, and ranges from Hudson's Bay to Guatemala. The Long-tailed Skunk (M. macrura) inhabits Central and Southern Mexico, and M. putorius ranges from the southern states to Guatemala. Conepatus mapacito (former1y classed with the True Skunks) is more stoutly bullt, with a pig-like head. It ranges from Iexas to Patagonia.