Striped Skunk

Mephitis mephitis

Skunks are the poison ivy of the animal world. Their spray is so strong it can temporarily blind you even if you are 10 feet away. If sprayed, do not bother washing your clothes -- just throw them away. The skunk's bold black-and-white pattern warns other animals to keep away. Any animal that has been sprayed will never forget those distinctive colors.

Look For : A black-and-white furry animal the size of a cat with a very bushy tail.

Length : Body 13-16" long, tail 7-16"; 6-14 lb.

Habitat : Woodlands, grasslands, deserts, and suburbs.

Range : Most of U.S. and southern Canada.