THE SOUTHERN SKUNK THE SMALL SKUNK 131 



THE SOUTHERN SKUNK 



(Conepatus mapurito) 



THE Skunk of South America, which ranges north into the territory 

 of the other, in Texas, and extends south to Patagonia, although 

 similar in general appearance to the northern species, is a very distinct 

 animal, larger, heavier in build, and with a much more pig-like snout. 

 Its general colouration is similar, and is also very variable, but it is apt 

 to show more white, some specimens being of this colour all along the 

 upper parts, which gives them a very handsome appearance. 



As a scent-producer the South American Skunk is quite equal to 

 its northern relative, and the same sort of stories are told about it. It 

 is, however, also not always immune from the attacks of beasts and 

 birds of prey; though on one occasion a Caracara or Carrion-hawk 

 (Polyborus brasiliensis) was seen to be woefully discomfited by getting 

 the discharge of his intended victim full in his face. This, however, 

 was the bird's own fault ; with the cowardice of his kind, he had been 

 making a half-hearted attack on foot from behind ; the crushing pounce 

 and grip of a nobler bird of prey would have had a very different result. 



The South American Skunk is said to be unable to discharge its 

 fluid if boldly seized by the tail, though it is only fair to say that there 

 is a difference of opinion on the matter! No doubt there is a right 

 and a wrong way of "tailing" a Skunk, and so good an observer as 

 Mr. O. V. Aplin has actually seen it done successfully. As in the case 

 of the proverbial nettle, half-hearted measures in grasping the offence, 

 such as the unfortunate Hawk tried, are of no use. 



THE SMALL SKUNK 



(Spilcgale putorius) 



IN the more central parts of America, from Guatemala north to the 

 Southern United States, is found a little Skunk not larger than a 



