Subfamily
Mephitinae (True skunks)
Spilogale gracilis. Photo: (c) Jeremiah, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Skunks are North and South American mammals in the family Mephitidae. Not related to polecats which are in the weasel family, the closest Old World relative to the skunk is the stink badger. The animals are known for their ability to spray a liquid with a strong, unpleasant smell. Different species of skunk vary in appearance from black-and-white to brown, cream or ginger colored, but all have warning coloration.
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