Skunk

A skunk is a small, North American mammal in the family Mephitidae, widely known for its ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism. There are several species of skunks, but the most common is the striped skunk.

Skunks have a stout body with short legs, a small head, and a long, bushy tail. Their most recognizable feature is their striking black and white fur, which serves as a warning to predators. The pattern varies by species, but most have a black coat with a white stripe running down their back and tail.

Skunks are highly adaptable and live in a wide range of habitats, from forests and grasslands to deserts and suburban areas. They are omnivores that forage for food at night. Their diet includes insects, grubs, rodents, eggs, berries, and fungi.

A skunk's most famous characteristic is its powerful defensive spray. They have a pair of scent glands located on either side of the anus that can shoot a noxious spray up to 10 feet. The spray, composed of sulfur-containing chemicals called thiols, is so potent that it can cause temporary blindness and is difficult to remove from clothes and skin. Skunks usually give a warning before spraying, such as hissing, stomping their feet, and raising their tail.