Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Widely distributed across forests, farmland, and urban areas of North America; primarily active from dusk to dawn. Body length about 32–45 cm. Characterized by black-and-white warning coloration and defensive behavior using powerful scent glands. Omnivorous, preferring insects; also eats eggs, small mammals, reptiles, and plant material. Solitary, though individuals may den together in winter. Breeding is concentrated from February to April; gestation lasts 59–77 days and 2–10 young are born. Conservation status: Least Concern.