Image: Western spotted skunk lying against rock near cactus - DPLA - 1c6d4c406a8cb85333c08c56d6453c3a

Description: 35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Carnivora; Family: Mustelidae; Genus: Spilogale; Genus species: Spilogale gracilis. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 23-34 cm; Identification: The Western spotted skunk is mostly black with variable white spots and stripes on its body; Habitat: Wastelands, brush, wooded areas; Diet: Omnivore: rodents, birds, eggs, insects, fruit; Reproduction: While mating occurs only during the late summer, females give birth either year-round or only in the spring depending on their location. Implantation of the fertilized eggs is delayed, followed by a four-month gestation period. On average, 4-5 young are born at a time; Social Structure: The skunk, as a general rule, is not a social animal; but the spotted skunk is more social than other skunks, and it will share dens in the winter; Behavior: Spotted skunks are nocturnal. Although they are mainly terrestrial, they will sometimes take shelter in trees. If threatened, a skunk will stamp its front feet, raise its tail, and walk with stiff legs. It will then spray a foul-smelling substance, aiming for the attacker's face; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: A skunk's spray can cause intense irritation of the eyes and temporary blindness. Their aim is accurate up to 2 meters. Rabies is commonly carried by skunks in the United States.
Title: Western spotted skunk lying against rock near cactus
Credit: This file was contributed to Wikimedia Commons by Colorado State University Libraries as part of a cooperation project. The donation was facilitated by the Digital Public Library of America, via its partner Plains to Peaks Collective. Record in source catalog DPLA identifier: 1c6d4c406a8cb85333c08c56d6453c3a
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