Species · GBIF taxon 2434883
Striped Hog-nosed Skunk
Conepatus semistriatusAlso known as Amazonian Hog-nosed Skunk, Semistriate Hog-nosed Skunk
Striped hog-nosed skunks navigate Central and South American woodlands under the cover of darkness, using their long, naked snouts to plow through soil and leaf litter in search of grubs. Unlike other skunks, they possess a single broad white stripe that splits down the back, paired with a tough, pig-like nose perfectly adapted for rooting. When threatened, they stomp their front feet and raise their tails as a final warning before unleashing a highly potent, musk-filled spray.
NocturnalSolitaryMammal
Licensed referenceDaderot / CC0 · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetle Larvae
- Lizards
- Fallen Fruit
Predators
- Harpy Eagles
- Cougars
- Domestic Dogs
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, and domestic dog attacks
HabitatsDry forests, orchards, brushlands, and rainforest margins
Life span3 to 6 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyMephitidae
- SpeciesConepatus semistriatus
Native
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can spray a foul-smelling musk and bite if cornered; observe from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses highly developed anal scent glands that spray a persistent, noxious musk, and can deliver a painful bite capable of transmitting rabies.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a stout body, a prominent, naked pig-like snout, and a white stripe that splits along the back.
- What to do
- Never corner or attempt to touch a skunk; back away slowly if it raises its tail or stomps its feet.
Responsible observation
- Watch for warning signs: If the skunk stomps its front feet or lifts its tail, back away immediately.
- Keep dogs leashed: Domestic dogs often provoke defensive spraying and bites by cornering these animals.
- Listen for rustling: Listen for loud scratching and rustling in leaf litter at night to locate foraging individuals.
Co-occurring Carnivore (c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christoph Moning · cc-by
Close Relative en:Louis Agassiz Fuertes. / Public domain · cc0
Family Member Wallace Keck / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) Romi Galeota Lencina, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Romi Galeota Lencina · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.