skunks are mammals in the family called mephitidae. ever seen a skunk in person?
Yes, unfortunately.  They are quite stinky.
they can actually have difference appearances from black and white to brown, cream, or ginger colored. they all have warning coloration, most people think they can only be black and white.
That's interesting. What is their skunk spray used for?
protection and harming their enemies, like us haha. also skunk has been used as an insult historically since 1841.
That would not be cool to be called a skunk.  Do they always have a stripe on their back?
Skunk species vary in size from about long and in weight from about (spotted skunks) to (hog-nosed skunks). They have moderately elongated bodies with relatively short, well-muscled legs and long front claws for digging.
Although the most common fur color is black and white, some skunks are brown or grey and a few are cream-colored. All skunks are striped, even from birth. They may have a single thick stripe across back and tail, two thinner stripes, or a series
Skunk
Skunks are North and South American mammals in the family Mephitidae. While related to polecats and other members of the weasel family, skunks have as their closest Old World relatives the stink badgers. The animals are known for their ability to spray a liquid with a strong, unpleasant smell. Different species of skunk vary in appearance from black-and-white to brown, cream or ginger colored, but all have warning coloration.
Etymology.
The word "skunk" is an Americanism from the 1630s, the