Skunk Information |
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There is a
lot of skunk info out there. Instead of repeating it all, I
am providing links to what I think are the best sites. I
can't say for certain that all of the information is one hundred
percent accurate. I would consider most of these credible
sources for something like a school project or report, with the
exception of those listed under "personal pages." I am
including those because some people lucky enough to have
skunks living in their back yards have neat pictures and observations
to read through.
Taxonomy Just a little note: Many web sites and books have outdated information on Skunk classification. Skunks are no longer considered part of the weasel family (Mustelidae). Instead, they have been placed into their own family, Mephitidae, which includes about eleven species (number varies depending on who you talk to) of skunks and two species of Stink Badgers. Dragoo
Institute for the Betterment of Skunks and Skunk Reputations
The name may sound strange, but this site is actually run by a skunk expert, researcher and biology professor Jerry Dragoo. This page provides a fairly in depth and scientific discussion of skunk classification. Spray
Another note: Tomato juice doesn't get rid of skunk smell. An
interesting website about skunk spray. It includes a page explaining
the chemica formula of the spray of different skunk species, as well as
information on how to really get rid of the smell.
General Info (Behavior, Diet,
Habitat, Range)
A
good general description of the skunk family. Includes
sections on physical description, distribution, evolutionary history,
economic value, natural history, and taxonomy.
Skunk Haven
Skunk Haven is a domestic skunk rescue and education organization. They supply a very readable page with general information on skunks, geared towards educating people about skunks as pets. Information is primarily about the striped skunk. Animal
Diversity Web
This site is always a good place to find general information on animals. The information is collected and written by college students. The Mephitidae page has sections on diversity, geographic range, habitat, taxonomic history, physical description, reproduction, lifespan, behavior, communication, food habits, predation, ecosystem roles, economic importance, and conservation. They also provide pictures, including some of the skulls of various skunk species. Skunk Patterns and Coloration
Not all skunks are black with white stripes. Both wild and domestic skunks exhibit a variety of colors and patterns. Dragoo Institute for
the Betterment of Skunks and Skunk Reputations
Read under the general description section for information on coloration. OOPS (Owners of Pet Skunks) Has pictures and descriptions of many of the color variations found in domestic skunks. Rabies
There is a lot of misinformation about rabies floating about, sometimes leading to an unneccesary fear of skunks. However, because skunks are a main carrier in many areas of the country, rabies is an important issue to discuss when it comes to skunks. National
Center for Infectious Diseases
The CDC's website about Rabies is probably the most thorough reading you will find about Rabies on the web. Some of it is pretty scientific and might be difficult to read, but other parts are more readable. Includes general information about rabies, information about the virus itself, diagnosis, epidemiology, prevention and control, and news about rabies. The Humane
Society of the United States
This article offers some general information in a short and easy to read article. It also might help alleviate some of the fear you may have after reading the CDC's website. Dragoo Institute for the Betterment of Skunks and Skunk Reputations Another good source of Rabies information. Skunk video, sounds
Okay, some of these videos aren't educational. But they are very,very cute. Wild
America "Those Smelly Skunks"
Here you can watch the whole skunk episode! It is interrupted by occasional advertisements, though. Wild America "Tender Times" This episode has many different animals. However at 26:00, there is a crazy up close shot of a skunk spraying a black bear cub. You can actually see the nipples of the scent glands and the spray coming out. It is absolutely amazing. YouTube This particular skunk owner has several very cute videos of his pet skunk Peaches. Animal Planet: Corwin's Quest See Jeff Corwin getting sprayed by skunks! Domestic Skunks Organizations
OOPS (Owners of Pet Skunks)
A domestic skunk website that provides information about keeping skunks as pets. Skunk Haven A domestic skunk organization that offers information about domestice skunk care and runs a skunk rescue shelter. Personal pages with Pictures
Lots of nice pictures of skunks. You can never look at too many skunks. Jody's
Jungle
Lots of pictures and a diary of the skunks that came to visit. The Skunk Project Pictures and descriptions of some skunk encounters. The Fauna and Flora of Kerr County, Texas Quality striped and hog-nosed skunk pictures. (This address has some pop-ups.) The Animal Photo Archive Lots and lots of skunk pictures. (This address has some pop-ups.) Channel Island Restoration Photos Three very cool photos of a spotted skunk. Tony's Homepage Lot's of cute pictures of a baby skunk. Skunk Cabbage
Certain members of my family have become obsessed with skunk cabbage in response to my love of skunks (if I say "skunks", they add "cabbage". They are kind of cool, I have to admit. I wrote a paper on the eastern skunk cabbage (the western skunk cabbage is in a different genus, I think) for biology last semester. They make a stinky smell (hence the name) and are one of only a few plants to produce their own heat. Here are some links in no particular order. Science
News Online
Article and photos Bedford Audubon Society Article and photos. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Brief description and drawing. Science Views Photos showing all the different parts of skunk cabbage. |