hooded skunk

The hooded skunk (Mephitis macroura) is a mammal found primarily in the Western Hemisphere. It is characterized by its black and white fur, often with a white bar between the eyes and a distinctive "hood" of long hairs at the back of its neck. Like other skunks, it possesses well-developed scent glands used for defense, releasing a noxious odor when threatened.1

Skunks belong to the family Mephitidae and include four genera and 12 species. They inhabit diverse environments such as deserts, forests, and mountains. While most skunks are about the size of a house cat, some are smaller. The hooded skunk, in particular, has variations in its stripes, with white areas interspersed with black fur, giving it a grayish appearance.1