MAMMALS OF MINNESOTA. 97 
' The ear is low and nearly hidden in the fur. The back part of 
the animal is very large comparatively, as though for the sup- 
port of the tail. The toes are very short, especially on the 
anterior extremities. The claws in front are rather large. 
Although the skunk is so confident in nature’s provision for 
its defense, its reliance is at times misplaced, for it sometimes 
falls a victim to its temerity. The fox, particularly, manages 
to destroy and make a meal of it. Owls and large hawks also 
sometimes feed upon them. The skunk hibernates partially in 
northern latitudes, but it is said wakens periodically to empty 
its reservoirs. 
Dr. Merriam, whose extended experience with the animal in 
question makes him excellent authority upon it, gives the fol- 
lowing interesting particulars concerning the skunk in domes- 
tication :* 
‘‘Skunks, particularly when young, make very pretty pets, 
being attractive in appearance, gentle in disposition, interest- 
ing in manners, and cleanly in habits—rare qualities indeed ! 
They are playful, sometimes mischievous, and manifest consid- 
erable affection for those who have care of them. I have had, 
at different times, ten skunks in confinement. They were all 
quite young, measuring from 100 to 150mm. (approximately 4 
to 7 in.) only in length, when first taken. Some were dug out 
of their holes, and the rest caught in box traps. Two were so 
young that they could walk but a few steps at a time, and had 
to be brought up on milk, being fed with a spoon. The others 
ate meat and insects from the start. From some of them I re- 
moved the scent bags, but the greater number were left ina 
state of nature. None ever emitted any odor, although a 
couple of them, when half grown, used to assume a painfully 
suggestive attitude on the too near approach of strangers—so 
suggestive, indeed, that their visitors commonly beat a hasty 
retreat. These same skunks, when I came within reach, would 
climb up my legs and get into my arms. They liked to be 
caressed, and never offered to bite. Others that I have had 
did not show the aversion to strangers evinced by this pair, and 
I believe the difference to be due to the way in which they are 
brought up. If accustomed to the presence of a number of 
people they are familiar and friendly toward all; while if kept 
where they habitually see but one or two persons they will not 
permit a stranger to touch them. 

*Mammals of the Adirondack Region, p. 73. 
