Known for their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid as a means of defense, skunks are mammals that are found in 12 subspecies under 4 different genuses.

Scientific Name – Mephitidae

Classification – Musteloidea

Baby – Kit

Collective Noun – Surfeit

Length/Size – Widely vary between subspecies

Weight – Widely vary between subspecies

Top Speed – 10 mph

Life Expectancy – About 7 years; up to 10 in captivity

Mating Season – February to March

Gestation Period – 66 days

Special Features – Covered with striped fur and has a defensive stink gland

Social Structure – Solitary; behaviors vary between subspecies

Geographical Distribution – 12 Subspecies widely spread across the Americas, Indonesia and the Philippines

Natural Habitat – Open woodland and dense shrub

Diet – Insects, Rodents, Rabbits

Predators – Owls, Coyote, Wild cats