Family: Mephitidae, Skunks view all from this family

Description Usually black except for 1 or 2 widely separated narrow white stripes along upper side; in one phase, back and tail are white with black hairs interspersed. Hair on back of neck often forms ruff. L 22–31" (558–790 mm); T 10 7/8–17 1/8" (275–435 mm); HF 2 1/4 –2 7/8" (58–73 mm).

Warning All skunks are highly developed for defense and can spray their foul-smelling musk distances of up to 15 feet. Besides its overpowering odor, the musk can burn the eyes and cause momentary loss of vision.

Similar Species Striped Skunk usually has 2 broad white stripes close together, and shorter tail. Common Hog-nosed Skunk has back and tail white without black hairs; top of snout is naked.

Breeding 1 litter of 3–5 young born May– early June.

Habitat Rocky ledges; tangled vegetation along streams.

Range Southeastern Arizona, sw New Mexico, and extreme w Texas.

Discussion The habits of the Hooded Skunk are probably similar to those of the Striped Skunk. This species apparently feeds on insects; the stomach of one individual from New Mexico contained beetle fragments. The common name refers to the ruff of long white hair that often forms at the back of the neck.