|
Skunksby RyanDescriptionSizeSome skunks weigh about 3 to10 pounds or 1.4 to 4.5 kilograms. Newborns are 1ounce in weight and 4 inches long. Adult skunks are 13 to 18 inches long or 33 to 46 centimeters long. ColorSome skunks have 2 white stripes down their back and are black all over their body. Body CoveringIt is a small furry animal. Some skunks have very long hair around there necks. Skunks have 2 layers of fur inside the layer is short, like sheeps wool to keep warm. The outside coat of guard hairs keep out the cold and rain. Some skunks have bald spots. The skunks coat is useful for warning as well as warming. Distinguishing FeaturesSome skunks have black and white markings. Some skunks are hog nosed. Some skunks are spotted. Most skunks spray their musk as far as 12 feet. Hooded skunks have the longest tail of all, up to 38 centimeters. Skunks have short legs and a stocky body. Most skunks eat at night and have 5 long claws. Family Life and ReproductionMost females skunks give birth to 4 or 5 young. Skunks belong to the weasel family. A young has 34 razor sharp teeth. Some enemies are the great horned owl, coyote, fox, badger and fisher. Skunks hibernate until late February or early March. In early spring the female skunk gives birth to 4 to 6 babies. Interesting FactsThe skunk sprays a foul smelling liquid when it's frightened or in danger. Skunks are helpful to humans because they eat many harmful insects. The white stripe has a form of a V down their back. Skunks give a warning by stamping their feet and hissing or growling. Some skunks stand on their back feet and spray the musk. Four kinds of different skunks live in North America like the Hognosed skunk, the hooded, the spotted and the striped skunk. The hognosed skunk got its name because it has a nose shaped as a hog. The hooded skunk got its name from all the hair it has around its neck. The skunk runs up to 14 kilometrs (9 miles) per hour. Skunks can swim and do the dog paddle. Skunks favorite food is insects. Two male skunks sometimes fight over a female skunk. Babies are born deaf and blind. Where in the WorldMost skunks live in United States. Some skunks live in Canada, Northern Mexico, Europe and in the desert. Home HabitatFrom December to March most skunks sleep in dens. Some skunks live in hollow trees. Skunks make their homes in deserts. Some skunks live in city backyards and near a pond or marsh. Food and Eating HabitsSkunks eat eggs, birds, fruit, seeds, nuts, garbage, beetles, grubs, grasshoppers, mice, shrews, voles, chipmunks, cotton tail rabbits, grass, corn and barley. BibliographyDingwall, Laima. Skunks Nature's Children. Toronto Grolier Limited 1985. |
|---|