Skunk
| Skunks | |
|---|---|
| Striped skunks | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Superfamily: | Musteloidea |
| Family: | Mephitidae |
| Groups included | |
| Skunk genera ranges | |
| Cladistically included but traditionally excluded taxa | |
Skunks are mammals in the family Mephitidae. They are known for their ability to spray a liquid with a strong, unpleasant scent from their anal glands. Different species of skunk vary in appearance from black-and-white to brown, cream or ginger colored, but all have warning coloration.
While related to polecats and other members of the weasel family, skunks have as their closest relatives the Old World stink badgers.