We have have a skunk that is white on top and black underneath what kind is it? we also think it is deaf?

Question

We have have a skunk that is white on top and black underneath what kind is it? we also think it is deaf?

Answer 1

Hello... Most skunks are white on top and black underneath.

There are 11 species of skunks, which are divided into four genera: Mephitis (hooded and striped skunks, two species), Spilogale (spotted skunks, two species), Mydaus (stink badgers, two species), and Conepatus (hog-nosed skunks, five species). The two skunk species in the Mydaus genus inhabit Indonesia and the Philippines; all other skunks inhabit the Americas from Canada to central South America.

Skunks are a member of the weasel family. In North America, there are 4 types of skunks, most common is the striped skunk, which is black and identified by the white stripes running the length of it's back.

Striped skunks are generally the same size as a house cat, weighing up to 10 pounds. Their average length is about 24 inches.

Spotted skunks are smaller, and more weasel-like in appearance. They have white spots, and broken white stripes in a dense black fur.

The exact strip pattern can vary with each individual animal, and contrary to folklore it can't be used to determine the skunks gender. Less commonly known is that they can occasionally have a brown body and white stripes or a grey body and white stripes. Some may even be completely white, without being an albino, or a solid black.

Skunks communicate visually, by raising their fur and changing posture. Skunks have a good sense of hearing, but their vision is poor. They are mostly silent, but do make a variety of sounds such as churring, hisses, and screams. Not sure why you think it is deaf.  

Where did you get this skunk? If it is a wild skunk, it is illegal and you may need to contact a rescue center.

Good link on info for skunks

http://www.skunkhaven.net/

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&cl...

cool images to look at