Key Points
- Skunks were once grouped into the weasel family, Mustelidae.
- They can only hold a certain amount of “spray” at a time.
- Stink badgers are part of the skunk family.
Welcome to the Skunk Quiz, where you can test your knowledge and learn more about one of the most misunderstood mammals. These mammals are known for their white stripe and ability to spray strong-smelling liquids to ward off predators. Some see them as pests but they can be beneficial to farmers and gardeners as a large part of their diet are the pests that can ruin crops and gardens.
Take the quiz to test your knowledge of Skunks if you believe you know everything there is to know about them or if you simply want to learn more about these adorable black-and-white animals!
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What is the scientific name for a skunk?
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What is the average size of a skunk?
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What is the average weight of a skunk?
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What is the lifespan of a skunk in the wild?
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What is the primary defense mechanism of a skunk?
Types Of Skunks
The skunk was once classified as part of the weasel family, Mustelidae, which is a grouping of predatory animals that also includes wolverines, badgers and otters. However, based on more recent molecular findings, they were categorized into their own family, Mephitidae, of which there are around 12 different species. They are categorized into 4 different genera, Mephitis, Spilogale, Conepatus and Mydaus. These are:
- Striped (Mephitis)
- Hooded (Mephitis)
- Eastern spotted (Spilogale)
- Western spotted (Spilogale)
- Southern spotted (Spilogale)
- Molina’s Hog-nosed (Conepatus)
- Striped Hog-nosed (Conepatus)
- Western Hog-nosed (Conepatus)
- Pygmy spotted (Conepatus)
- Humboldt’s Hog-nosed (Conepatus)
- Sunda Stink Badger (Mydaus)
- Palawan Stink Badger (Mydaus)
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What is the range of a skunk’s spray?
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What is the chemical compound in a skunk’s spray that causes the odor?
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What is the diet of a skunk?
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What is the mating season for skunks?
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What is the gestation period for skunks?
Interesting Facts
Skunks have an unfortunate reputation due to their ‘stinkiness’ but they rarely bother anyone and as largely solitary animals, prefer to be left alone. They only spray when acting in self-defense and when they are scared. Read on to discover more interesting facts about these cute, misunderstood mammals!
- The smallest species is the pygmy spotted skunk, which grows to just 13 ounces.
- The largest species in the American hog-nosed skunk which can grow to almost 3 feet.
- There are quite a few famous cartoon skunks – Flower is Bambi’s closest friend in the Disney movie, Bambi and Pepe Le Pew is the most famous skunk from Looney Tunes.
- Stink badgers, part of the family Mephitidae, are endemic to Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
- Skunks are only found in North America.
- All carnivorous animals have anal scent glands but they are more pronounced in this species.
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What is a baby skunk called?
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How many babies can a skunk have in a litter?
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What is the habitat of a skunk?
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What is the scientific name for the striped skunk?
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What is the scientific name for the hooded skunk?
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What is the scientific name for the western hog-nosed skunk?
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