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Skunk species - Genus Mephitis

Genus Mephitis includes the species of skunk most people think of when they think of skunks -- the striped skunk.

The following is specific information about the various species within this genus.

Common attributes

Length ...

About 68 cm

Weight ...

1.5 to 3 kg

Mates ...

February

Gestation ...

Between 62 and 66 days

Mephitis mephitis (Striped Skunk)

[ Mephitis ]

Distribution ...

Southern Canada, all of the USA, and northern Mexico.

Habitat ...

Most common species of skunks. Can be found in diverse habitats including the suburbs where skunks will make dens in burrows or buildings.

Coat ...

Primary black coat with forking white stripes of varying length on the back and tail; white patch on head. White and black hairs are not mixed.

Number of young in litter ...

3 to 9 young

Mephitis macroura (Hooded skunk)

Distribution ...

Southwest USA.

Habitat ...

Rare. Far more secretive than the striped skunk.

Coat ...

Primary black coat with a solid white back and a very large white patch on the top of the head. Small white stripes may be present on the side. Also, the white and black hairs can be mixed.

Number of young in litter ...

3 to 5 young.

References

MacDonald, David (editor); The Encyclopedia of Mammals; Andromeda Oxford; 1995 (ISBN 1-871869-62-5).

Unless otherwise credited, the photos are from the royalty free Kodak PhotoCD purchased from Corel Corp. Fox photos from "Foxes & Coyotes" CD, 1993. Skunk photos from "Backyard Wildlife" CD, 1993.