SPILOGALE, THE SPOTTED SKUNK 



(Spilogale phenax) 



The spotted skunk is an industrious, quick- 

 witted, brave little animal. Few men give the 

 credit that is due her for her good behavior 

 under trying circumstances, her quiet affection 

 and general inoffensiveness. A little spotted 

 skunk has lived under my house now these 

 three years, and in all this time she has behaved 

 herself as a perfect little lady, and has, so far as 

 I know, lived on good terms with all my animal 

 friends. She makes her evening calls about the 

 premises without sound or odor and assists in 

 work by picking up crumbs in the yard and 

 keeping the place comparatively free from 

 insects. 



Skunks have their effective means of defense 

 — they realize its efficacy and use it when 

 severely provoked; but they realize also that 

 the fetid oils cannot be produced in unlimited 

 quantities, and so on the whole they are pretty 

 careful to emit unpleasant odors only when 



