Skunks are active throughout the year in Malibu’s mild coastal climate, but they are more evident in spring, when mating and breeding activities bring them into closer contact with humans, cars and unfortunately, domestic animals.
There are actually two types of skunks in the Malibu area. The striped skunk is the common variety.
About the size of a small cat, this skunk has the distinctive white stripe that it uses as a warning flag for
predators. Residents of the Santa Monica Mountains may also encounter the spotted skunk. Shy, secretive
and rarely seen, the spotted skunk is smaller, slighter and more agile than its striped cousin, with a spotted or splotched coat. Armed with the same sulfur- based protective spray, both animals used to be classed as mustelidae, members of the weasel family, but have recently been moved to their own family, mephitidae. Intelligent and resourceful, skunks are adapting to life in an increasingly urban environment .more.
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