American Hog-Nosed Skunk

Conepatus leuconotus

The American hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus leuconotus) is a stocky skunk of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America. It is recognized by its broad white back and tail, dark sides, strong forefeet, and naked pig-like nose pad used to root through soil and leaf litter. Compared with the striped skunk, it has a heavier digging build and feeds heavily on grubs, beetles, other insects, small vertebrates, fruit, and carrion.

This skunk is managed mainly as native wildlife, not as a common pet. It can spray a strong musk when threatened, and ownership or rehabilitation may require permits because skunks can carry rabies and other diseases. Wildlife rehabilitators need secure, dig-proof housing, low-stress handling, and diets that reflect its insect-heavy omnivory. Around homes and farms, conflict prevention usually means closing den sites, securing poultry feed and garbage, and letting healthy skunks move on without harassment.