Species · GBIF taxon 5219394
Hooded Skunk
Mephitis macrouraAlso known as Long-tailed Skunk, Mexican Skunk
Hooded skunks are distinguished by an exceptionally long, feathery tail and a ruff of longer fur on the back of the neck that resembles a hood. They navigate arid grasslands and desert scrublands at night, foraging for insects and small vertebrates with a keen sense of smell. When threatened, they raise their tail and arch their back, ready to deploy a potent, sulfurous defensive spray.
NocturnalMammalDesert-dwelling
Licensed referenceDmitrij Rodionov, DR / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Deer Mice
- Prickly Pear Fruit
Predators
- Great Horned Owl
- Coyote
- Domestic Dog
ThreatsVehicle collisions, habitat fragmentation, and domestic dog attacks
HabitatsDesert scrub, arid grasslands, rocky canyons, and riparian woodlands
Life span3 to 6 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- SpeciesMephitis macroura
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can spray a foul-smelling liquid and carry rabies; observe from a safe distance and do not corner.
- Why it is dangerous
- Can spray a highly noxious, sulfur-based fluid up to several meters and may carry rabies.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for an exceptionally long, feathery tail and a ruff of white or black fur behind the head.
- What to do
- Never approach or corner a skunk; if one approaches, stand still or retreat slowly without sudden movements.
Responsible observation
- Watch for warning signs: If a skunk stomps its feet or raises its tail, back away slowly and quietly.
- Keep dogs leashed: Curious pets are the most common targets for defensive spraying.
- Secure trash bins: Prevent unwanted encounters by keeping outdoor food sources sealed.
Co-occurring Species en:Louis Agassiz Fuertes. / Public domain · cc0
Co-occurring Species NPS / Public domain · cc0
Predator "Great Horned Owl, the first I've seen in decent light this year. Didn't want to disturb it for too long so we continued along the trail" by island deborah- is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Wallace Keck / Public domain · cc0
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