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MAMMALS OF OHIO f i e l d g u i d e

MAMMALS OF OHIO f i e l d g u i d e

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CARNIVORA<br />

description<br />

The hair is long and black, with a<br />

broad patch of white on its head and<br />

shoulders. Two white lines forming<br />

a “V” from the shoulder area may<br />

extend part way or all of the way to<br />

the base of the bushy tail.<br />

habitat<br />

Skunks are found in somewhat open<br />

areas with a mixture of habitats<br />

such as woods, grasslands, and<br />

agricultural clearings.<br />

reproduction<br />

Skunks mate in late February<br />

through March. Litters can be from<br />

two to 10 young. This group will<br />

stay together until the fall when the<br />

young will go off on their own.<br />

did you know?<br />

The skunk has perhaps the most<br />

well known defense system of<br />

any mammal, the scent-spraying<br />

mechanism. They usually do<br />

not discharge the foul smelling<br />

contents of their scent glands unless<br />

threatened.<br />

Striped Skunk<br />

© Richard Day / Daybreak Imagery<br />

Mephitis mephitis<br />

67

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