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 150 mm. (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 in a 

 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. 



