Photo Courtesy of Onalaska Science Web
Fun Facts
A fairly large skunk, the hog-nosed skunk is dark brown to black with a single broad stripe running from the top of its head to the base of its tail. Its tail is mostly white with a few black hairs.Like other skunks, the hog-nosed skunk defends itself by shooting a sulphuric spray called mercaptan. The hog-nosed skunk can spray up to 15 feet and hit its target accurately. Its spray not only carries a terrible odor but, if it hits the eyes, will blind the skunk's target for up to two days.
The hog-nosed skunk has acquired the nickname rooter skunk from its habit of rooting or plowing along patches of ground, at is overturns rocks and debris while searching for food.
Hog-nosed skunks are generally nocturnal but will sometimes feed in the warmer afternoon hours during the winter. Skunks eat a varied diet which includes vegetation, reptiles, insects, rodents, snails, and reptiles.
Skunks are generally immune to the venom of local snakes.
Bibliography
Davis, William. The Mammals of Texas. Austin, Texas: Texas Parks and Wildlife Information-Education Division. 1974.Devoe, Alan. "The King of Self Defense." Reader's Digest Books. Marvels and Mysteries of Our Animal World. Pleasantville, New York: Coronet Books. 1964.
Related Links
Skunk and Opossum Web Site
Common Hog-Nosed Skunk - Mammals of Texas On-Line
