Mephitidae - Skunks, Stink Badgers

There are 12 species in this family. Skunks are found in North America, Central America, and South America. Stink badgers are found in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Members of this family are black, brown, or gray and have white stripes or spots.

Skunks and stink badgers are about the size of a domestic cat and have squat bodies, bushy tails, and powerful, stubby legs.

They have a gland under their tails that emits a spray with a strong odor. This spray is used to warn off predators. In addition to smelling bad, this spray also causes a stinging sensation.

Skunks and stink badgers are nocturnal and spend the day in a burrow or den, or hidden under rocks or a log.

They have strong front claws that help them dig into the soil for food. They are omnivores and eat vegetation, insects, larvae, worms, small birds, eggs, small mammals, and reptiles.

Skunks and stink badgers are solitary, although some species may gather together in a den in cold weather.

Did You Know?

The striped skunk is one of the species in this family.
The striped skunk is one of the species in this family.

World Status Key

Status and range is taken from IUCN Redlist

Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct
Not Enough Data

U.S. Status Key

Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife

Threatened in US
Endangered in US
Introduced

NH Status Key

Status taken from NH Fish and Game

Threatened in NH
Endangered in NH
Breeds in NH (birds)

Location Key

Africa
Asia
Australia/Oceania
Europe
North/Central America
south america alt
South America

Other Species Around the World

No animals found.

Support for NatureWorks Redesign is provided by: