![]() ![]() However, it can cause nausea in some people, and if it does come into contact with your eyes, it can cause temporary blindness. Skunk spray can travel up to 10 feet (though odor can be detected further away), and when striped skunks and hooded skunks take aim, they are amazingly accurate. The chemical makeup of skunk musk varies by species, but each version contains compounds called thiols that are responsible for the foul smell. When skunks perceive a threat, they spray their attacker with this musk. These glands produce an oily liquid known as skunk musk. Skunks are equipped with special glands located underneath their tails. Skunks are generally not aggressive, but like almost all animals, they will defend themselves when they feel threatened. For instance, striped skunks and hooded skunks may stomp their feet, hiss, puff up their fur or raise their tails before finally using the stinky weapon for which they are most known. Many animals will hide or camouflage themselves when a predator is near, but skunks give a warning instead. These skunks are small, weighing anywhere from 14 ounces to 2 pounds. ![]() The western spotted skunk, instead has a white tip on its tail and broader white stripes on its back. Eastern spotted skunks have several broken white stripes along their backs and a black tip on its tail that's generally shorter than the tail of other skunks. If you see a skunk climbing a tree, then it is likely an eastern spotted skunk. Spotted skunksġ-4 are divided into eastern ( Spilogale putorius) and western ( Spilogale gracilis) varieties. Their long claws and snouts make them excellent diggers, and they will root through the soil for food. A large population can be found in Texas. They inhabit rocky or sparsely timbered regions of North America. ( Conepatus mesoleucus) are large skunks (2.5 to 6 pounds) marked with a single broad white stripe that runs all the way from nose to tail. Some hooded skunks have two thin white stripes running down their backs and tails, while others have a single thick stripe and a solid white tail. Hooded skunks also sport distinctive tufts of fur around their necks. ( Mephitis macroura) are sometimes mistaken for striped skunks, but their tails are longer and their fur is softer. They are the largest of any skunk species and can weigh up to 14 pounds. They also have prominent white stripes on their snout, as well as a white v-shaped marking on the back of their bodies. They are black and usually about the size of a house cat. ( Mephitis mephitis) are commonly found in suburban neighborhoods, among other habitats. There are twelve species of skunks, four of which you're most likely to encounter on your property. Here are some quick tips for identifying the skunks in your area - and for helping keep their activity under control. In their search for food, water and shelter, skunks can become pests that damage both your yard and home. (4) All suitable habitats within the Big Creek drainage basin located in Ellis and Trego counties.Skunk activity can also get out of hand quickly. The corridor's outermost boundary is along a line 0.5 mile landward from the named stream's ordinary high water mark on each bank. (3) All suitable habitat within a riparian corridor along the main stem Arkansas River in Finney, Ford, and Gray counties. (2) All suitable habitats within the Cowskin Creek and Big Slough drainage basins located in Sedgwick and Sumner counties. (1) All suitable habitat within Barton, Anderson, Woodson, Wilson, Chautauqua, Montgomery, and Labette counties. DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITATSĪs defined by Kansas Administrative Regulations, critical habitats include those areas documented as currently supporting self-sustaining population(s) of any threatened or endangered species of wildlife as well as those areas determined by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to be essential for the conservation of any threatened or endangered species of wildlife.Ĭurrently, the following areas are designated critical for Eastern Spotted Skunks: ![]() Department personnel can then advise the project sponsor on permit requirements. Any time an eligible project is proposed that will impact the species' preferred habitats within its probable range, the project sponsor must contact the Ecological Services Section, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, Kansas 67124-8174. SPECIES PROTECTION AND CRITICAL HABITATS:Įastern Spotted Skunks are protected by the Kansas Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act and administrative regulations applicable thereto. ![]()
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