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    Mephitis – Striped & hooded skunk

    Home of the largest skunks; can adapt to human-modified environments hence are quite abundant

    Both genus members are primarily distributed across North America. Both species have a similar appearance, but the hooded skunk has a longer tail and a softer coat than the striped skunk.

    These animals also have musk-filled scent glands to ward off predators feeling threatened. Although both species are omnivores, the striped skunk primarily consumes insects, while the diet of the hooded skunk primarily consists of vegetation. They were hunted and eaten by humans, and organs such as gallbladders and scent glands can be used as folk medicine.