Hudsonian Skunk 



969 



PUGET Sound Skunk (M. occidentalis spissigrada Bangs). 

 — Much like hudsonica, but with longer tail and well-marked 

 cranial characters; skull much narrower, etc. 



The Skunk of the Manitoba prairies is the Great Plains 

 Skunk, but it is quite likely that in the wooded north-eastern 



Fig. 226 — Head of Hudsonian Skunk cf . from Iowa. (Life size.) 



part of the Province we may find the true Mephitis mephitis 

 (Schreber) or Canada Skunk. 



Life-history. 

 The present species is found in every part of south- range 



T» /r • 1 , • • 1 • r 1 1 IN MANI- 



western Manitoba, but is scarce in the pine forest to the north- toba 

 east. Its greatest numbers are found in the broad pond and 

 poplar belt from Dufiferin to Dawson. 



Its favourite localities are the edges of the woods and envi- 

 marshes, where sunlight and cover mingling provide it with ment 

 abundant food, as well as warmth and shelter. It likes the 

 dense forest less than it does the open prairie. The traveller 

 on the Souris Plains is sure to meet with some Skunks or have 



