128 Department of Conservation of Louisiana 



The term ''polecat," frequently given to all kinds of 

 animals possessing - a common means of defense such as 

 has been described, is a misuse of a name given certain Old 

 World mammals belonging to the marten family and a 

 small animal from South Africa, known as the "Cape pole- 

 cat," which in coloration, markings, and plume-like tail 

 bears a resemblance to our small Little Spotted Skunk. 



The skunk, although it differs to a marked degree from 

 its near relatives, belongs to the same important fur family 

 which includes the otter, weasel and mink. It is a really 

 beautiful animal, a triflle larger than a house cat, with lus- 

 trous black fur. marked on the back by a patch or streaks 

 of white. The muzzle is long and pointed, the black eyes 

 alert and gleaming, and the plume-like tail usually divided 

 equally black and white in color by an abundant growth 

 of hair. 



The skunk is distinguished physically not alone by its 

 bu:hy tail but by the disproportionately large size of the 

 posterior half of its body. Seen from the side, the elevation 

 of the hindquarters is most apparent. In its walks about 

 the countryside, the skunk is slow of gait. It seems to 

 have a measured walk, from which it is loath to deviate, 

 but when pressed, either by an enemy or a desire to capture 

 some disappearing prey, it has a peculiar, shuffling gallop 

 that defies description. A skunk walks on the soles of its 

 feet, instead of on its toes, as do most other mammals. 

 When mildly annoyed it has an amusing way of stamping 

 its forepaws on the ground, like a petulant child. 



Slow in movement and deliberate in most of its actions,, 

 it is not strange that this animal is hard to intimidate. Nor 

 does it exhibit the same dread of man that most other 

 animals do ; and for this reason it seldom runs away when 

 encountered in the wide open spaces. Most wild creatures 

 shun man. To the contrary, one of the skunk's marked 

 characteristics is its fondness for man's company, especially 

 his habitation, for frequently dens and sleeping quarters 

 are established under outhouses or even under dwelling 

 houses. Thickly settled Pennsylvania and New York State 

 today are the principal skunk-producing areas of the United 

 States. 



