Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
 Skunks can spray their scent up to ten feet.
Appearance: about the size of domesticated cats (weight of 4 - 10 pounds); distinctive coloration, mostly black with a white stripe that runs from their head, down their neck, and makes a V-shape on their back, continuing to their hind end; bushy black tail
Reproduction: females reproduce once a year, generally breeding between February and April; gestation is 59-77 days; litters range from 2 to 10 young Food habits: opportunistic feeders; primarily insectivorous in spring and summer; diet also includes amphibians, fish, small mammals, eggs, reptiles, and ground birds along with seeds, fruits, and nuts Habits: docile, solitary, and primarily nocturnal; use the dens of other animals; if threatened, spray musk when feeling threatened, which can cause the victim to pain and nausea and even temporary blindness 
Distribution: throughout Louisiana, except extreme southeast parishes, and across most of North America, covering most of the United States and the southern regions of Canada
Habitat: woodlands, forests, and grassy plains; have expanded their territories into suburban and farming areas Controls: vulnerable to large birds of prey, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, and coyotes Values: play a key role in insect control; also carry diseases, such as rabies and canine distemper,and parasites, including ticks, fleas, lice, and mites |
