striped skunk
mephitis mephitis
The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is an omnivorous mammal of the skunk family Mephitidae. Found north of Mexico, it is one of the best-known mammals in Canada and the United States.[3]
eatting habits
Food and Feeding Behavior: The striped skunk is an opportunistic omnivore and eats both plant and animal foods. Insects of many species make up most of the diet than any other type of food. The larvae of moths and butterflies, beetles and their grubs, grasshoppers and crickets are favorites, and striped skunks consume great quantities of these and other invertebrates during the warm months of the year
important info
Habitats
It can be found in elevations up to 1800 m but rarely above 4000 m. Skunks can be found in a number of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands and agricultural lands. The skunk has increased its range with the cutting of forests throughout North America.
reproduction
Striped skunks mate from mid-February to mid-April. Females bear 3-10 but average 5 or 6 babies. 59-77 days later the babies will be born. The newborn have some hair, but their skin is mainly pink with a faint trace of the black and white pattern that develops at a later age
tracks or sign
Skunk tracks show five toes on the front foot and five on the hind foot. The front tracks usually show claw marks farther ahead of the toe marks than the rear prints do. This is because the skunk has longer claws on the front feet to use in digging up roots and insects
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special adaptations
Skunks have glands underneath their tails (anal glands) from which they can spray a very toxic musk at predators. This adaptation has proven to be very useful in warding off predator attacks.
description of anaimal
The striped skunk has a black body with a white stripe along each side of its body; the two stripes join into a broader white area at the nape(neck)
Striped Skunk Digging in Backyard
interesting facts
The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) gets its name from the Latin word "mephit" meaning "bad odor."