Species · GBIF taxon 2434870
Molina's Hog-nosed Skunk
Conepatus chingaAlso known as Andes Skunk, South American Hog-nosed Skunk, Chinga
Molina's hog-nosed skunks are robust, solitary carnivores easily recognized by their long, fleshy, pig-like snouts used to root through soil for insects. Their striking black bodies feature two broad white stripes running from the crown of the head to a bushy, mostly white tail. They navigate diverse South American landscapes from dry valleys to high-altitude Andean grasslands, relying on their powerful claws to dig up prey and excavate burrows.
NocturnalHigh-AltitudeSolitary
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetle larvae
- Scorpions
- Small rodents
Predators
- Puma
- Andean Fox
- Harpy Eagle
ThreatsHabitat destruction, vehicle collisions, domestic dog attacks, and agricultural pesticides
HabitatsGrasslands, shrublands, dry forests, and high-altitude Andean steppes
Life span6 to 10 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyMephitidae
- SpeciesConepatus chinga
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Can spray a foul-smelling liquid and bite if cornered; keep a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses highly developed anal scent glands that spray a persistent, noxious musk causing temporary blindness and severe nausea.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a long, hairless pink snout, a solid black underbelly, and two wide white stripes on the back.
- What to do
- Never corner or attempt to touch; back away slowly if the animal raises its tail or stamps its feet.
Responsible observation
- Watch for warning signs: If threatened, they stamp their front feet and raise their tail before spraying.
- Keep dogs leashed: Domestic dogs often trigger defensive spraying and risk painful bites.
- Scan the ground: Look for small, conical diggings in pastures and lawns where they have rooted for grubs.
Predator National Park Service / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative https://www.flickr.com/people/payayita/ / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Daderot / CC0 · cc0
Close Relative en:Louis Agassiz Fuertes. / Public domain · cc0
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