These small, weasel-like skunks can only be found on the western coast of Mexico. #6 – Pygmy Spotted Skunk ( Spilogale pygmaea) Image Credit #5 – Molina’s Hog-Nosed Skunk ( Conepatus chinga)įound through much of central and southern South America, this little skunk has specially adapted teeth for its diet, which often includes small birds, snakes, and other vertebrate creatures in addition to plants.Īs much of its habitat has been destroyed, these skunks have adapted to living among human settlements. Humboldt’s hog-nosed skunks tend to hunt at dawn and dusk, preferring prey that’s easy to catch. This diet means they’ve been less affected by the destruction of natural habitats than many other creatures. They’re smaller than North American species and have teeth more adapted to eating insects than vertebrate prey. #4 – Humboldt’s Hog-Nosed Skunk ( Conepatus humboldtii)įound in the southern half of Argentina and Chile, these skunks have reddish brown to black fur with two white stripes down the back. Oddly enough, hooded skunks are actually used for food by several cultures in their natural region. Of course, you may not wish to get close enough to test this distinction for yourself. While they’re very similar to the striped skunk in appearance, they actually have softer fur and longer tails. Living in Texas and Central America, hooded skunks eat mostly plants and insects but may also hunt small mammals. This mistaken belief may well be the fault of the hooded skunk, which may have one, two, or no stripes on its back. Related: Skunk Handstands? (and 12 Other Facts About Skunks) #3 – Hooded Skunk ( Mephitis macroura)Īn old wives’ tale claims that you can tell the sex of a skunk by whether they have one or two stripes. With a habitat covering the eastern United States, parts of Canada, and a small portion of northeastern Mexico, these skunks are highly active and are known to climb trees. See Also: How to Locate a Skunk Den #2 – Eastern Spotted Skunk ( Spilogale putorius)īoasting four stripes on the back, plus other markings, the eastern spotted skunk has a much more slender body than many other species. While capable of climbing trees like other skunk species, the American hog-nosed skunk is specially adapted for digging and can even smell prey through the soil. They have a single stripe covering their back and a completely white tail. One of the largest species of skunk out there, these critters may be found throughout the southern US and Central America. #1 – American Hog-Nosed Skunk ( Conepatus leuconotus) While often portrayed as black with white stripes, they can also be cream, tan, brown, yellow, and even lavender with striped, spotted, and/or albino fur. In all, there are 10 species of skunk across three genera, as well as members of another genera that are considered by some to be skunks but not others. Honorable Mention: Stink Badgers (Mydaus spp.).
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