SKUNK or POLECAT 



Mephitis niephitica. 



This animal, which is so well known because of its offensive but 

 effective means of defense, is found throughout the United States 

 and Mexico, but is most common in the northern part of this range. 

 In size and somewhat in appearance it resembles a cat, being about 

 eighteen inches from the nose to the root of the bushy tail, while the 

 latter itself is fourteen or fifteen inches long. The exact color and 

 markings of the fur vary considerably but the general effect is much 

 the same ; bands or stripes of white on a background of dark brown 

 or jet black, making a conspicuous and distinguishing combination. 



The skunk lives in burrows dug in the ground by its strong 

 claws and, while a favorite sport may be a thieving expedition at 

 night to a near-by poultry yard, its principal food is obtained in a 



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