At least
four species of skunks are found in Arizona.
All of the species have scent glands on either
side of their anal sphincter which secrete
a secretion of musk that gives them their
malodorous reputation. This defensive reaction
and their striking white on black color patterns
are usually enough to deter all but the most
determined predator. Omnivorous, mostly nocturnal
foragers, skunks are highly susceptible to
the rabies virus. Indeed, early Arizonans
so associated rabies with skunks that some
species were termed "hydrophobia cats."
The most common of the species by far is the cat-sized striped skunk that
occurs throughout Arizona and constitutes the vast majority of the road-killed
mammals seen on the state's highways. The striped skunk is not only Arizona's
most frequently seen skunk, it is also the largest. Weights range from
about 2 ½ pounds for an adult female to an occasional 10 pounds or more
for an obese male. The species always displays a thin white stripe on its
face, even though the striping pattern may vary between individuals and
populations. The usual markings, however, are two lateral stripes that
form a chevron, merging toward the back of the head. The tail, which usually
shows some white, is always shorter in length than the approximately foot-long
body. Although "stripees" live almost everywhere but in the most extreme
deserts, they are most often found near water. These
skunks are active throughout the year and do not hibernate even in northern
Arizona; the males instead form communal dens with several females.
The closely related hooded skunk is the striped skunk's Mexican counterpart.
It is generally confined to southeastern Arizona, although specimens have
reportedly been taken as far north as Flagstaff and the Mogollon Rim. Somewhat
leaner than the striped skunk, hooded skunks weigh from 1¾ to 2 ½ pounds
and have a 12 to 16 inch long body. As for all species of skunks found
in Arizona, the males are larger than the females. The white stripes on
this animal are often solidly joined to form one large white streak down
the center of the back, or in some individuals, are so totally separated
that the skunk appears nearly solid black. The hooded skunk also differs
from the striped skunk in that its foot-long tail is longer than its body.
Both animals have the thin white stripe on the face and have the same general
preferences for riparian habitats.
Habitat
Spotted Skunk
There is no problem distinguishing the western spotted skunk, also known
as the civet. The average length of this diminutive fellow, including the
tail, is only about 15 inches. Females average less than a pound; males
are about a pound and a half. This skunk is also faster and more agile
than its larger cousins. The spotted skunk's overall color is black with
a white triangular patch on the forehead and a white spot under each ear.
Five or six broken white stripes run down the neck, back, and sides, giving
the impression of blotches or spots, and the animal its name. The animal's
hair is finer than that of the other species, and the tail is tipped in
white. Although reported from every county in Arizona, the spotted skunk
appears to favor rocky, mountainous areas.
The
large, 2 ½ to six pound hog-nosed skunk is
also easily identified by its entirely white
back and tail and lack of any stripe on the
forehead. Moreover, the elongated and slightly
up-turned snout is largely naked, and the
long claws on the feet are almost bear-like
in appearance. This species occurs primarily
in southeastern Arizona although specimens
have been obtained from as far north as Flagstaff
and the Hualapai Mountains.
Natural History
All of the skunks are more or less omnivores, feeding on grasshoppers and
other insects, grubs, worms, mice, lizards, bulbs, carrion, and garbage.
Some individuals even take to raiding hen houses, taking not only the eggs,
but chickens as well. Even the hog-nosed skunk, which digs for most of
its food, will eat fruits and carrion on occasion.
The striped, hooded, and hog-nosed skunks all mate in late winter and early
spring, and produce from two to four young in April or May. The spotted
skunk breeds in late September and early October, but the fertilized egg
remains in a state of arrested development until March or April when implantation
occurs-the two to four young being born about a month later. The young
of all the skunk species are raised and on their own by early fall. Few
skunks live more than a year or two.
Hunting and Trapping History
Formerly a major furbearer, striped skunks in Arizona have dropped in average
take to fewer than 100 per year since 1995. This is in some ways unfortunate,
as uncontrolled populations of these animals are prone to rabies and constitute
a health hazard to other carnivores, as well as to humans. Although the
amount is undoubtedly small, it would be interesting to know what percent
of the number of skunks trapped constitutes spotted and hog-nosed skunks.
Habitat
These
skunks are active throughout the year and do not hibernate even in northern
Arizona; the males instead form communal dens with several females. 
The
large, 2 ½ to six pound hog-nosed skunk is
also easily identified by its entirely white
back and tail and lack of any stripe on the
forehead. Moreover, the elongated and slightly
up-turned snout is largely naked, and the
long claws on the feet are almost bear-like
in appearance. This species occurs primarily
in southeastern Arizona although specimens
have been obtained from as far north as Flagstaff
and the Hualapai Mountains. 
