Hooded Skunk Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum Common Name: Hooded Skunk Classification: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Genus: Mephitis Species: macroura Museum Location: Display Cabinet #641 Description: Two color patterns: a white-backed phase with upper parts chiefly white, frequently with two narrow, short white stripes on each side behind shoulder, and under parts black or mottled with white; and a black-backed phase with upper parts black, except for two narrow lateral white stripes, and underside of tail frequently white (occasionally tail wholly black, but bases of hairs always white). In the white-backed phase, a broad white band begins between the eyes and covers most of the back and upper surface of the tail; the white stripe never bifurcates as in the striped skunk. It differs from the hog-nosed skunk in that it has much finer fur, a smaller snout, is smaller in size, and has a much longer tail. External measurements of an adult male: total length, 700 mm.; of adult female, 650-370-60 mm. Weight of males: 800-900 g.; of females, 400-700 g. Habitat and Range: These slender, 'white-sided' skunks occur along stream courses where they resort to rocky ledges or tangles of streamside vegetation for safety. Occasionally, they resort to burrows in the banks of washes. The hooded skunk ranges from southern Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico southward through Mexico to Costa Rica. Diet: The hooded skunk feeds primarily on insects. They will also feed on small rodents and some vegetation, especially prickly pear cactus fruit. Behavior: The hooded skunk is primarily nocturnal. They use vegetation or dig burrows for shelter during the day. These species of skunks are less aggressive than other skunks when trapped and in the presence of humans. Communication: The hooded skunk communicates by bodily gestures and using anal secretions that give off a foul scent to ward off predators. Reproduction: Breeding occurs from mid-February to late March. Litter sizes average three kits. Species Status: Safe. Interesting Facts: The fur of this animal is much longer and softer than that of any other skunk, but it does not command a high price on the fur market. By Nirali Vora