286 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES [Proc. 4th Ser. 



Explanation, Plate 13 

 CALIFORNIA RACCOON AND STRIPED SKUNK 



{Procyon psora and Mephitis occidentalis) 



This Raccoon is found throughout most parts of California, it being 

 especially abundant in the heavily timbered country along the coast. 



The Coon breeds in hollow trees, in holes in the rocks, in blind ditches, 

 and even on the ground in tule swamps. 



Coons are omnivorous ; they eat shellfish, frogs, fish, and corn ; they 

 sometimes enter hen houses and kill and devour chickens. 



In the South the negroes are very fond of the Raccoon, regarding its 

 flesh as a delicacy. The Raccoon ranks third in value among the fur 

 bearers of California. 



The species of skunk shown in this group occurs throughout northern 

 California except in the warmer interior valleys from Monterey north- 

 ward. 



The skunk brings forth its young in holes in the ground, beneath 

 buildings, in stone piles or in hollow logs. They feed largely on insects, 

 but will eat flesh of any kind, including chickens. 



As a fur bearer the skunk is among the most valuable in the United 

 States. In some States skunk farming has become a profitable industry. 



Group prepared under the direction of John Rowley. 



Photo by Gabriel Moulin. 



