Skunks, Part 2: There are actually two species of Skunks in Canada, but the Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis, shown here) is the one widespread across the country, while the Western Spotted Skunk (Spilogale gracilis) enters Canada at the Southern end of British Columbia. The rest of my post is specifically about the Striped Skunk. The most distinctive feature of Skunks is their smell. Newborn Skunks are blind and deaf, and yet they already contain the defensive musk (although they only learn to discharge it properly at a few weeks old). Skunks are hesitant to release their musk, as they only have a small amount (though that small amount, a few teaspoons, is extremely potent). They will attempt at first to dissuade any potential attackers with a display of drumming feet and hissing. If you're witness to this, it's best to take the Skunk at its word, and leave it alone. . . . For the background of this picture provided by @alison_spoelstra see my previous post about Skunks. . . . . . . #nature #ontario #skunk #skunksofinstagram #mephitis #mephitismephitis #stripedskunk #mammalsofinstagram #mammalsofcanada #ontariomammals #naturalhistory #naturefacts #biology #mammalogy #hamiltonontario #skunks #skunkfacts (at Hamilton, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/CE6TXMhAw9x/?igshid=jkvmpqs5xmrr
