skunks are mammals in the family called mephitidae. ever seen a skunk in person?
Yes, unfortunately.  They are quite stinky.
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
", coniferous forests and meadows
- Wolverine, "Gulo gulo", coniferous forests and alpine meadows
- Black-footed ferret, "Mustela nigripes"
Small mammals Skunks.
From the "Atlas of Birds, Mammals, Amphibians, and Reptiles in Wyoming":
Order: Carnivora, Family: Mephitidae
- Striped skunk, "Mephitis mephitis", open forests and grasslands
- Western spotted skunk, "Spilogale gracilis"
- Eastern spotted skunk, "Spilogale putorius"
Small mammals Hares and rabbits