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Striped Skunk

Scientific: Mephitis mephitis
Spanish: Mofeta rayada
Awaswas: Yawi

Diet: Insects, small mammals and birds, eggs, crabs, berries, and nuts
Habitat: Widespread throughout North America, especially mixed woodlands and suburban greenspaces
California Status: Least Concern

Skunks are famous for the powerful, smelly spray that they use to deter predators, but they give warning before spraying and are typically docile. We can thank them for eating insects and rodent pests.