Species of Skunks

The skunk family, scientifically known as Mephitidae, comprises 13 species divided into four genera. The various species differ greatly in size and appearance but share many common traits. All 13 species produce a pungent liquid from the anal glands which deters predators. The liquid is sprayed at the attacker or threat and in some species can cover distances of almost 20 feet.

  1. Hog-Nosed Skunks

    • The genus Conepatus, or hog-nosed skunk, has four member species. The four species in this genus are Molina's, Humboldt's, North American and the striped hog-nosed skunks. These skunks, as the name suggests, have broad, flattened, pinkish noses. The skunks have the familiar black and white coloration with varying patterns. The largest is Molina's which grows to around 3 feet long while the others are around 2 feet in length. Except for the North American hog-nosed skunk, the other three species are found only in Central and South America.

    Hooded and Striped Skunks

    • The genus Mephitis includes just two skunk species, the hooded and the striped varieties. The hooded skunk grows to 2 feet in length and around 31 oz. in weight. It gets its name from a long ruff of fur around its neck. The striped skunk looks similar but lacks the long neck fur. It is a little larger than the hooded skunk growing to 31 inches in length and up to 114 oz. in weight. Both species are native to the U.S. and parts of Mexico, and the striped skunk also ranges into Canada.

    Stink Badgers

    • The genus Mydaus is part of the skunk family but they are more commonly known as stink badgers. Only two species are included in this genus, the Sunda and the Palawan stink badgers. Both are solidly built, small mammals growing to around 20 inches long and between 5 to 8 lbs. in weight. The animals have a similar black and white striped coloration as skunks. The animals look more like badgers but have the same kind of scent defense mechanism.

    Spotted Skunks

    • The genus Spilogale, or spotted skunks, has the most members of the skunk family. The five members are the southern spotted, western spotted, eastern spotted, pygmy spotted and spilogale aquaticus. All five species have the black and white coloring, but instead of stripes they have a spotted pattern. The spotted skunks are found in areas of the U.S., Mexico and Canada, depending on species. Spotted skunks tend to be small, around 1 foot in length and 20 oz. in weight.