The hog-nosed skunks belong to the genus Conepatus and are members of the family Mephitidae (skunks). They are native to the Americas. The individual hog-nosed skunk species vary in size, but among them is included the largest of all skunks. All are characterized by comparatively short hair, especially on the tail, and this appendage lacks the plumelike appearance observed in other skunks. The nose is prolonged into a distinct "snout", naked on the top and sides and evidently used for rooting in the earth after the manner of a pig.
Ten Facts about Common Hog-nosed Skunk
- For their protection hog-nosed skunks create their own burrows, generally within a bank, or beneath a rock, or the roots of a tree.
- Although both the spotted skunk and common skunks live mainly on insects, the hog-nosed skunks are even more insectivorous in their feeding habits.
- Recent work has concluded that the western hog-nosed skunk or common hog-nosed skunk (formerly Conepatus mesoleucus) is the same species as the American hog-nosed skunk, and that Conepatus leuconotus is the correct name of the merged populations.
- This is a large skunk averaging about 21.5 to 23.5 inches in length, with males slightly larger than females.
- Like all skunk species, it possesses powerful anal glands used to deter would-be attackers.
- The Western Hog-nosed Skunk, Conepatus mesoleucus, also known as the Common Hog-nosed Skunk.
- Weight is about 0.5kg (1.1 lb) to 3kg (6.6 lb).
- Life is about at least 7 years (8-10 years in captivity).
- They are able to expel a fine spray of foul-smelling musk.
- They can spray up to 4-7m (13-23 ft) in a favorable wind-although they are usually only accurate for up to about 2m (6.5ft).
