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Skunks have long been classified as a subfamily of the weasel family (Mustelidae). Genetic data, however, suggest placement of skunks in their own family, Mephitidae (mephitis being Latin for “bad odour”).

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Curtis Strite

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Is skunk a weasel?

Skunks belong to the weasel or Mustelidae family. Skunks spray a strong odor of liquid to defend itself from predators.


Can racoons breed with skunks?

Raccoons and skunks cannot breed with each other as they are different species with distinct genetic makeups. Raccoons belong to the family Procyonidae, while skunks are part of the family Mephitidae. Due to these differences, they are unable to produce viable offspring together.


Are skunks and cats related?

Skunks best known for their ability to excrete a strong, foul-smelling odor, belong to the family Mephitidae. Skunks were formerly classified as a subfamily within the family Mustelidae, which includes weasels, otters, badgers, and relatives. However, recent genetic evidence suggests that the skunks are not as closely related to the mustelids as previously thought, and are now classified in their own family.Ferrets are in the family Mustelidaeof the order Carnivora which includes stoats, European polecats, minks, ermine, black-footed ferrets, long tailed weasels, least weasels


Is the honey badger related to the skunk?

Skunks belong to a different family than honey badgers. They both belong to the same superfamily, though, which is Musteloidea. So they are not super closely related, but they are somewhat related.


Is a skunk a dog or a cat?

Neither, while skunks share the same kingdom, phylum, class, and order with dogs and cats, all three belong to different families. The skunk belongs to the Musteloida family whereas dogs belong to the Canidae family and cats belong to the Felidae family.


What order is skunks belong to?

They're of the Order Carnivora.


Is the skunk related to the honey badger?

Skunks belong to a different family than honey badgers. They both belong to the same superfamily, though, which is Musteloidea. So they are not super closely related, but they are somewhat related.


What other animals are in this family Mephitidae?

striped skunks, spotted skunks, hooded skunks, weasels, martens, animals like that.


Are skunks and Tasmanian devils related?

No. Skunks are placental mammals of the family Mephitidae. Tasmanian devils are marsupials of the family Dasyuridae.


Are skunks in the feline family?

No. They are in the weasel family, Mustelids.


What is a family of skunks called?

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Cordata Class Mammalia Order Carnivora Family Mephitidae


Is a ferret and mongoose in the Mephitidae family?

According to Wikipedia - the Ferret is classified in the family 'Mustelidae' and the Mongoose is in the 'Herpestidae' family. Skunks were previously classified within the Family Mustelidae until 1997 when J. Dragoo, et al, determined that Skunks do not have the same DNA as ferrets. Skunks and Stink Badgers were both re-classified as Mephitidae at that time.