Skunks
Name: Striped Skunk and Spotted Skunk
Scientific Name: Mephitis mephitis, Spilogale gracilis
Description of Skunks: Mephitis (the genus of the skunk) means bad odor in Latin — for good reason. There are at least four different skunk species in AZ.
If their vivid colors don’t deter you or their natural predators, their scent sure will.
These animals can get into peoples’ property, especially crawl spaces, porch areas or sheds. If you try to get them out, you could easily be coated in a disgusting oily secretion that lasts for days. Further, skunks carry a wide range of diseases and parasites that affect humans. Without question, a professional should be contacted to remedy this problem animal.
Skunks Range and Reproduction: The Skunk weighs about 1.5 – 2.75 pounds and has a body that is approximately 10-18 inches long. Males are larger than females. Some species exist all over the state. Others live in distinct regions of Arizona and the United States.
Health Information: Skunks can carry rabies and cause distemper if they bite your pets, carry fleas, ticks, mites – all of which carry other diseases. Skunks are a serious risk to human and pet health.
Important Facts on Skunks:
• Skunks can deter even Mountain Lions with their spray
• Skunks don’t cause permanent damage with their spray
• The only way to get skunks out of a house is by trapping
Links:
Detailed Facts about Skunks – National Geographic
