12 Types of Skunks: Species, Facts and Photos

In the wilderness, the skunk's strong odor often gives it away before it's spotted. They are more than just striped creatures with a notorious defense system. This presentation explores distinct types of skunks, their behaviors, and their habitats. To gain a deeper understanding of these creatures, read on.

Skunk Classification

Skunks and stink badgers belong to the Mephitidae family, a group of mammals under the order Carnivora. This family, also referred to as mephitid, extends from the Americas, home to skunks, to Southeast Asia, where the stink badgers reside. 

Within Mephitidae are twelve species distributed in four genera: Conepatus, Mephitis, Spilogale, and Mydaus, or stink badgers.

While stink badgers were initially thought to be relatives of Eurasian badgers from the Mustelidae family, DNA analysis revealed a closer link to skunks¹, hence their inclusion in this list.

Related Read: Skunk Facts.

12 Types of Skunk Species

Quick links to the different types of skunks:

1. American Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus)

The American Hog-nosed Skunk, also called the Rooter Skunk, is the largest member of the skunk family found in North and Central America.

It measures up to 3 feet long and can weigh up to 10 pounds. The skunk has a distinctive white stripe on its dark fur that runs from its head to its tail. Moreover, its hog-like snout is its unique feature, which helps it sift through the soft soil for hidden treasures. 

Hog-nosed Skunks are usually solitary. Like other types of skunks, they are territorial, attacking threats directly by raising their tail high and spraying a potent skunk musk up to 15 feet. 

Lastly, they feed on insects, small mammals, fruits, and plants, with a particular fondness for beetles and larvae.

2. Striped Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus semistriatus)

The Striped Hog-nosed Skunk is a nocturnal animal in the southwestern United States and Costa Rica. It has a white stripe down its black coat and uses its snout to sniff out food hidden in the soil. 

These striped skunks are opportunistic feeders, eating insects, small animals, fruits, and leafy greens. To survive, they use their long claws to dig up their food and burrows, which helps maintain their body temperature.

3. Humboldt's Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus humboldti)

The Humboldt's Hog-nosed Skunk, also known as Patagonian hog-nosed skunk, is a nocturnal, omnivorous creature inhabiting South America's lush landscapes, specifically south Argentina and Chile.

It has two broad white stripes that start from its head and extend to the base of the tail. Its coat is reddish brown. The skunk also developed a hog-like snout and long claws, valuable tools for digging and foraging for food. 

During the breeding season, these typically solitary creatures gather together. Their offspring, known as kits, are born vulnerable and sightless, relying on their mother's care and protection until they can fend for themselves. 

4. Molina's Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus chinga)

Molina's Hog-nosed Skunk, also called Andes skunk,  is a unique member of the skunk family, named after the Spanish naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina. They live in high-altitude grasslands, forests, and human-populated areas. 

With the help of their keen sense of smell, these skunks consume insects, small vertebrates, and other prey. They have a jet-black fur coat with a solid white stripe stretching from the top of their head to the base of their tail. 

These solitary animals prefer to stay in burrows during the day and venture out at night. Similar to other skunk species, the Molina's Hog-nosed Skunks can spray a potent, foul-smelling liquid from their anal glands as a defense mechanism. 

5. Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)

The Striped Skunk has a black coat with a white stripe running from head to tail. Beyond their odorous defense mechanism, these creatures are highly adaptable. 

These Northern American skunks can live in dense forests, open grasslands, and suburban backyards. Moreover, they can make their homes in hollow logs, under buildings, and in burrows deserted by other creatures. 

These nocturnal creatures feed on insects, small mammals, fish, crustaceans, fruits, nuts, and leafy plants. 

During the breeding season in early spring, the skunks break their solitary nature and mate. The females give birth to a litter of 2-10 kits, remaining under their mother's care until the fall, learning necessary survival skills. 

Despite their potent defense mechanism, their average lifespan in the wild is only two to four years. However, they can live up to 10 years under the protective care of captivity.

6. Hooded Skunk (Mephitis macroura)

The Hooded Skunk lives in the Southwest United States, Mexico, and Central America. It has a distinct feature of a white fur 'hood' that sets it apart from other skunks. 

Additionally, adult Hooded Skunks are larger than the Striped Skunk, measuring up to 32 inches, tail and all. These generalist omnivores consume insects, bird eggs, small vertebrates, and even garbage.

During breeding season in early spring, Hooded Skunks form temporary social groups. After a gestation period, female skunks give birth to a litter of 2-4 kits in late spring or early summer. The young skunks are raised for about a year before setting off to mark territories and start their journey in the wild.

7. Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius)

The Eastern Spotted Skunk has a polka-dotted black and white coat. It lives in forests, prairies, farmlands, and urban areas in eastern portions of North America.

When threatened, it does not only spray its infamous skunk order, but it can also do a handstand to display its distinctive pattern and perform foot stamping.

Furthermore, Eastern Spotted Skunks eat insects, small mammals, eggs, fruits, and, occasionally, birds. They are nocturnal mammals and can easily climb trees.

8. Western Spotted Skunk (Spilogale gracilis)

The Western Spotted Skunk is a small mammal living in the western regions of North America. It has four white stripes, a white spot on its forehead, and under each ear. It weighs between one and three pounds and measures 14-18 inches long. 

When threatened, it arches its back, does a handstand, and sprays an oily and strong-smelling concoction to protect itself. The skunk is an adept climber with a diverse diet, including insects, small mammals, fruits, nuts, and occasionally poultry. 

9. Pygmy Spotted Skunk (Spilogale pygmaea)

The Pygmy Spotted Skunk is one of the smallest skunks in the world, with a black coat and white spots and stripes. It is native to Mexico's Pacific coast, inhabiting woody habitats with rocky soil and avoiding dense forests.

The Pygmy Spotted Skunk, the most weasel-like and smallest of skunk types, has a finely coated, slender body ranging from 4.5-13.5 inches in length, plus a 2.8-4.7 inches tail. Adorning a lush black coat, it sports white forehead markings and 2-6 stripes, which morph into spots over its back and sides. Each tail uniquely may have a white tip, showcasing diverse patterns.

Despite their size, these spotted skunks are the most carnivorous omnivores. They eat insects and berries during the summer and prey on smaller animals in winter.

Unfortunately, the IUCN Red List listed the Pygmy Spotted Skunks as Vulnerable². Their population in Mexico is declining due to rapid urbanization and tourism development within its restricted and fragmented range. 

This change, combined with domestic and feral predators and hunting practices, poses a serious threat to the survival of this species despite its ability to survive in human-disturbed conditions.

10. Southern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale angustifrons)

The Southern spotted skunk, inhabiting regions from Costa Rica to southern Mexico, is notable for its black and white color scheme, similar to its Western counterpart. 

Roughly 13 inches in length and with a 9-inch tail, the spotted skunk's weight ranges between 1.1 to 2.2 pounds. This secretive, nocturnal creature is adept at tree-climbing but primarily scours the ground for food like small mammals, insects, bird eggs, grains, and fruit.

11. Sunda Stink Badger (Mydaus javanensis)

The Sunda Stink Badger is a nocturnal animal found in Indonesia's Sumatra, Java, and Borneo islands. Its other common names are Javan stink badger, teledu, Malay badger, and Sunda skunk.

Sunda stink badgers, quite smaller than typical badgers, have rough, mostly black or dark brown fur. A white stripe runs from their head to tail, which varies in width among individuals. With their name hinting at their defense mechanism, they have a scent gland that emits a foul smell.

12. Palawan Stink Badger (Mydaus marchei)

The Palawan Stink Badger is endemic to the grasslands of the Philippines' Palawan Island. 

One of the Mephitidae family's larger members, it resembles badgers more than skunks in physical appearance. It showcases robust limbs with sharply recurved claws, a mobile nose, and a short tail that lacks the bushy fur characteristic of many skunks. 

This stink badger's coat ranges from dark brown to black, with some white hairs, unlike the familiar white stripe of other skunks. This species is also slightly smaller than its relative, the Sunda stink badger, but has larger teeth and longer fur.

The Palawan Stink Badger prefers a diet of insects, worms, and small mammals, though it occasionally eats vegetation. Moreover, its sturdy claws are perfect for digging up a meal or crafting a cozy burrow to rest in.