THE SKUNKS 665 



some specimens attaining a length of about twenty-four inches, exclusive of the tail, 

 although the more usual dimension is about eighteen inches. The color is even more 

 variable than in the common skunk, but in general the two white stripes on the back 

 are very wide, and may either completely unite, or, as in our illustration, be sepa- 

 rated merely by a narrow dark band, the tail being either pure white or black and 

 white. The coloration of this species shows, therefore, very markedly the general 

 light color of the upper, as compared with the lower surface of the body. 



The range of this species extends northward from Patagonia and Chili through 

 Central America to Texas. 



Subject to certain modifications, engendered by their surroundings, 

 the habits of all the species of skunks are very similar, and they will 

 accordingly be treated of collectively. 



Skunks are good climbers, but appear to prefer clearings and open glades rather 

 than dense forests, and they may be frequently found in the neighborhood of human 

 dwellings; although in Patagonia and the Argentine pampas they inhabit perfectly 

 open country. In common with other members of the family they are largely noctur- 

 nal, but may be met with walking abroad in the evening in North America, while 

 Darwin states that in Patagonia the white-backed species, ' ' conscious of its power, 

 roams by day about the open plains, and fears neither dog nor man." 



This indifference to the presence of other creatures is, indeed, one of the most 

 striking characteristics of the group, and is, as suggested in the passage cited, doubt- 

 less due to the immunity of attack which these creatures possess, owing to their 

 nauseous secretion. Thus Mr. Belt states that in Nicaragua " the skunk goes lei- 

 surely along at night, holding up his white tail as a danger signal for none to come 

 within range of his nauseous artillery. ' ' And Dr. Merriam relates that so indiffer- 

 ent is the common skunk to the presence of man, that in many parts of the United 

 States these creatures are not unfrequently run over in the evening on the roads by 

 passing vehicles. The peculiar and conspicuous coloration of the skunks is gener- 

 ally regarded by naturalists as belonging to the class of so-called ' ' warning colors. ' ' 

 "Such warning colors would seem," observes Mr. Poulton, "to benefit the would-be 

 enemies rather than the conspicuous forms themselves. . . . But the conspicuous 

 animal is greatly benefited by its warning colors. If it resembled its surroundings, 

 like the members of the other class, it would be liable to a great deal of acci- 

 dental or experimental tasting, and there would be nothing about it to impress the 

 memory of an enemy, and thus to prevent the continual destruction of individuals. 

 The object of warning colors is to assist the education of enemies, enabling them to 

 easily learn and remember the animals which are to be avoided." 



In the Adirondack region the chief food of the common skunk consists of mice, 

 salamanders, frogs, and the eggs of birds that nest on or near the ground, while 

 such hens' nests as are met with are sure to be robbed, and an occasional raid is made 

 on the poultry yard. A large number of beetles, grasshoppers, and other insects are 

 likewise consumed by these animals. 



Owing to its fearless and unsuspicious nature, the North-American skunk may 

 be taken in almost any kind of trap ; and these animals are often a considerable an- 

 noyance to the trapper owing to their habit of frequently entering the snares set for 



