Striped Skunk

Mephistis mephisitis

While chemical defenses are common among insects (see Darkling Beetle), mammals use them rarely. Skunk spray is a mixture of sulfur, butane, and methane compounds, so it’s no surprise that is burns the eyes. Skunks are not eager to waste their arsenal, however, which takes 48 hours to replace.

Fun Fact:
A skunk can store 5 or 6 shots of spray, each accurate to about 6 ½ feet.

What’s for Lunch:
Insect larvae, Trapdoor Spiders, rodents, bird eggs, or fruit

Where’s Home:
Den in the woodlands