Striped Skunk Fur Coloration

December 2, 2017

We captured an interesting image of a skunk a few weeks back.  Although Striped Skunk’s coloration can vary, the amount of white in the inferred image looked greatly exaggerated. Compare the photos of skunks below:

Exaggerated white markings
Exaggerated white markings
Typical individual
Typical individual

This week, another trail camera got a color shot of said skunk. Lo and behold, it really does have that much white in its coat!

Exaggerated white markings
Exaggerated white markings
Typical individual
Typical individual

In all the years looking at Striped Skunks, never had we seen coloration like this. We did some research and found that Striped Skunk back, side and leg markings can range from pure white to solid black, and every variation in-between. Right when you think you know something about an animal, Nature throws a curveball at you!

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