A medium-sized skunk with hood-like fur pattern. Distinguished from striped skunk by stripe pattern.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The hooded skunk is a species of mammal in the family Mephitidae. Mephītis in Latin means "foul odor", μακρός (makrós) in Greek translates to "long" and οὐρά (ourá) translates to "tail".
Source: Wikipedia — Hooded skunk Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Slender skunk with white hood-like fur extending down sides; black undersides.
Similar species. Striped Skunk (broader stripe). Hog-nosed Skunk (pig snout).
Voice. Hisses; foot-stomps.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Insects, small vertebrates, plant matter.
Behavior. Southwestern US skunk with distinct white-hooded appearance.
§ Range
Southwestern US into Mexico
§ Habitat
Dry open country
§ Threats
Habitat loss.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the hooded skunk is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support southwestern habitat conservation.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Hooded skunk
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Mephitis macroura
- IUCN Red List · taxon 41635
- iNaturalist · taxon 41882
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Mephitis macroura
§ Sources cited
- American Society of Mammalogists
- IUCN Red List 2016
