Skunk aka Mephitidae - Okmulgee, OK - 🦨🦨🦨

The scientific name for a skunk is *Mephitidae*. Skunks are known for their distinctive black and white coloration and their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism. This spray is produced by glands located near their tail and can be accurately directed at predators or threats up to 10 feet away. Skunks are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods such as insects, small mammals, fruits, and plants. They are primarily nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active during the night.

Skunks are solitary creatures, except during the breeding season or when a mother is raising her young. They inhabit a range of environments, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. Despite their notorious reputation for their defensive spray, skunks play a beneficial role in ecosystems by controlling insect and rodent populations. They are generally not aggressive and will give warning signs, such as stamping their feet and raising their tails, before resorting to spraying. Skunks are also known for their relatively short lifespan in the wild, typically living up to three years, although they can live longer in captivity.