Is a skunk a civet?
The spotted skunk, also known as the hydrophobia cat or the civet cat, is the size of a small domestic cat, about half the size of a striped skunk. They are more social than other skunks….
| Spotted Skunk Tracks and Sign | |
|---|---|
| Spilogale gracilis | |
| 7/8 – 1 3/8 in. L x 5/8 – 1 1/8 in. W | 13/16 – 1 1/4 in. L x 13/16 – 1 in. W |
What is a skunk family called?
skunk, (family Mephitidae), also called polecat, black-and-white mammal, found primarily in the Western Hemisphere, that uses extremely well-developed scent glands to release a noxious odour in defense.
Are skunks a type of Badger?
While related to polecats and other members of the weasel family, skunks have as their closest relatives the Old World stink badgers….Skunk.
| Skunks | |
|---|---|
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Superfamily: | Musteloidea |
| Family: | Mephitidae |
Is a skunk a member of the weasel family?
They are noted for the great development of their anal scent glands, which they use to deter predators. Skunks were formerly classified as a subfamily of the Mustelidae (the weasel family); however, recent genetic evidence has caused skunks to be treated as a separate family.
How many nipples does a skunk have?
Unlike other mammals with the similar abilities, a skunk’s anal glands have evolved into two nipples that protrude out of the anus in order to spray.
Why is a skunk called a polecat?
It is an old French word meaning chicken- “poule.” So in essence, polecat means “the cat that eats chickens.” The word “skunk” comes from the Algonquin name, as does other common American animals like moose and opossum.
Do skunks always have a white stripe?
The pattern can vary, with some individuals being almost completely black and others mostly white. Striped skunks coexist with humans in suburban areas and can be spotted ambling along roadsides at night.
Are otters related to skunks?
Skunks were originally grouped inside the Mustelidae family (weasels, otters, badgers, and their relatives) because of the physical similarities including a squat body, strong claws for digging, enlarged anal glands and musty anal secretions.
Is a raccoon a member of the weasel family?
For much of the 20th century, virtually all of the smaller dog-branch carnivorans that are not members of Procyonidae (the raccoon family) were lumped together in the large group Mustelidae, popularly termed the weasel family.
Are stink badgers skunks?
characteristics. In the 1990s stink badgers (genus Mydaus; see badger) became classified as members of the family Mephitidae, and they thus are now considered skunks.