American Hog-nosed Skunk

Identified by their white back and full tail, hog-nosed skunks are a rarely-seen new arrival in the Grand Canyon.

NPS Brandon Holton

 

Scientific Name

Conepatus leuconotus

Identification

• One of the largest skunks in the world, it can grow up to 2.7 feet (82.5cm) in length.
• The hog-nosed skunk is identified by a large, broad white stripe running from the head to the all-white tail.
• The nose is relatively long and bare of fur.

Habitat

• Traditionally, hog-nosed skunks are found from Central America to southern Colorado.
• In 2012, 2 hog-nosed skunks were seen along the Colorado River inside the park- the first sighting of them in Northern Arizona. Since then, several more have been seen within the park, marking a major change in their habitat.
• Inside the park, hog-nosed skunks have only been seen in the rocky canyon land near the Colorado River.

Behavior

• Hog-nosed skunks primarily feed on insects. They have a powerful sense of smell, and their strong forelimbs and large claws help them dig up buried insects. This feeding strategy has earned them the nickname "rooter skunk".
• They will also feed on carrion, small reptiles, berries, and prickly pear cactus.
• Hog-nosed skunks are nocturnal. They dig burrows that they use for shelter during the day and as a home for their young.
• Females give birth to 1-5 young in April or May. Young are independent by August.

 

More Information

• Current research by park biologists is aimed at understanding how many hog-nosed skunks now live in the Grand Canyon, and how their population will continue to change.
• US Forest Service Report on Hog-Nosed Skunks