I have a hunch that today’s Wild Fact is just going to outright stink, which is to be expected when we are learning about one of the smellier animals in North America, the Spotted Skunk. For whatever reason their cousin, the Striped Skunk seems to garner much more attention but today’s featured animal is the more potent animal and in my opinion, far more entertaining. You will find out why soon but first lets make sure we are all talking about the same animal as they have many common names. This particular skunk has been referred to as the:
- Civet Cat
- Polecat
- Hydrophobian Skunk
- Phoby Skunk
- Phoby Cat
- Tree Skunk
- Black Marten
- Weasel Skunk
- Four-Lined Skunk
- Little Spotted Skunk
- Four Striped Skunk
- Sachet
How can one creature have so many names? Now that we know what animal we are referring to…let’s learn a little more about them.
Can’t Touch This
In my opinion the threat display of the Spotted Skunk is incredibly fascinating. This skunk gives every warning to would be attackers with the release of the potent musk being their last defence. If the sharp contrasting colours weren’t enough to warn a predator than the elaborate handstand should definitely clue them in. That’s right, the Spotted Skunk will actually perform a legitimate hands stand in order to make themselves look bigger and to present their warning colours. If this doesn’t dissuade the attacker then you had better get the nose clips because once the skunk makes a U-Shape with their body (both the back and front end will face the would-be predator) there is no going back.
Still don’t believe me that the Spotted Skunk can do a handstand. Check out the video below. Granted, it is a bizarre video but the hand-standing skunk is legit.
Researchers believe that this odd acrobatic behaviour has evolved over many years. Let’s face it, if you are a predator and you ignore the hand-stand once – and get a stinging, potent chemical sprayed into your eyes, would you ignore the circus show next time? My guess is you would be high tailing it out of there the second our smelly friend stood on their front legs. This is exactly why such a bizarre behaviour is effective int he wild.
Spotted Skunk Fast Fact
After reading all of the common names of our featured animal, you can probably guess that they are not big fans of the water. Instead, our little skunk is an incredibly good climber and enjoys spending much of their time in the trees. Considering how bad they smell, it is probably a good thing that they spend most of their time way up in the trees.
