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Skunk species - Genus Spilogale

There are four species of skunks of the genus Spilogale. These are commonly known as Spotted Skunks.

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

Common attributes

Habitat ...

Climb trees, den in crevices, burrow and use low buildings.

Length ...

About 40cm

Weight ...

About 0.5kg

Coat ...

Black with 4--6 broken white stripes or spots

Fur texture ...

Silkier than in other genera

Number of young in litter ...

2 to 6 young

Gestation ...

42 days

Spilogale Gracilis (Western Spotted Skunk)

[ Spilogale ]

Distribution ...

Western USA to Central Mexico.

Mates ...

Late summer

Spilogale Putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk)

Distribution ...

Southeast and Central USA to Eastern Mexico.

Mates ...

February to March

Spilogale Angustifrons (Southern Spotted Skunk)

Distribution ...

Central Mexico to Costa Rica.

Mates ...

February to March

Spilogale Pygmaea (Pygmy Spotted Skunk)

Distribution ...

Western and Southwest Mexico.

Mates ...

February to March

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.