SPOTTED SKUNK 



Spllogale phena.v. 



The spotted skunk is of more southern range than is the com- 

 mon variety, being found from Kansas to Mexico, and on the Pacific 

 coast, north to "Washington and west as far as Utah. Within these 

 limits even the sight of him is a bit of rare good fortune for he is 

 almost wholly a creature of the night, coming out after dark to catch 

 the mice at their play or to surprise some drowsy little bird. He also 

 may pay a quiet visit undetected at these hours to some neighboring 

 henhouse, but then will disturb nothing more than a few eggs which 

 the farmer surely owes him for all the insects, beetles, grasshoppers, 

 rats and mice he destroys. Once in awhile his usefulness is duly 

 appreciated, and by lure of tempting dainties, he is induced to take up 

 his abode under or near a dwelling for the express purpose of rid- 



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