Hooded skunk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hooded skunk |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Mephitis
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| Species: |
macroura
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| Hooded skunk range | |
The hooded skunk (Mephitis macroura) is a type of mammal in the skunk family. Its scientific name comes from Latin and Greek words. Mephītis means "foul odor," and makrós ourá means "long tail." This name fits well, as skunks are known for their strong smell and this species has a long tail.
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What Hooded Skunks Look Like
The hooded skunk looks a lot like the striped skunk. But you can tell them apart by a few things. The hooded skunk has a longer tail. Its fur is also longer and much softer.
A special "ruff" of white fur around its neck gives it the name "hooded skunk." There are three main color patterns for these skunks. All of them have a thin white stripe between their eyes.
- Some have a black back with two white stripes on their sides.
- Others have a white back with one white stripe down their back.
- Some are completely black, with just a few white hairs on their tail.
Where Hooded Skunks Live
Hooded skunks live in the Southwestern United States and down through Mexico. They are also found in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and northwest Costa Rica. They are most common in Mexico.
Skunks in southern Mexico are more than 50% smaller than those in the southwestern U.S. These skunks like to live in grasslands and deserts. They also live in the foothills of mountains. They usually stay away from very high places. Hooded skunks often live near water, like a river.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Female hooded skunks are about 15% smaller than males. Their breeding season is in February and March. A mother skunk usually has three to eight babies in one litter.
What Hooded Skunks Eat
Hooded skunks mostly eat plants. They especially like prickly pear (Opuntia spp.). But they also eat insects, small vertebrate animals, and bird eggs.
Hooded skunks can get parasites like worms and fleas. However, there are no reported cases of rabies in these skunks.
How Hooded Skunks Behave
Hooded skunks usually live alone. But they might meet up at a place where there's food. When they do, they usually don't fight.
During the day, they rest in a burrow or a thick patch of plants. They are active at night, looking for food. Like other skunks, they can spray a strong-smelling liquid for self-defense. This spray comes from special glands near their tail.
Interesting Facts About Hooded Skunks
Hooded skunks are not currently in danger of disappearing. They are very common in Mexico. They can even live near people, especially in pastures and farm fields.
Their fur is not very valuable for selling. But their fat and scent glands are sometimes used in local traditional medicine. In some areas, people even eat their meat as a special dish.
Hooded skunks have many other names, including:
- mofeta rayada (Spanish)
- moufette à capuchon (French)
- pay (Maya)
- southern skunk
- white-sided skunk
- zorillo
See also
In Spanish: Mofeta encapuchada para niños
