If you are fortunate enough to be in an area where a hay meadow is being irrigated, you will see the meadow voles (meadow mice) being flooded out of their homes. A careful watch may reveal one or more short-tailed weasels taking their toll of these hapless refugees. You may even find a cache laid away during this period of good hunting. Neither pity the voles nor scorn the weasel; both are only fulfilling their destinies in an ages-old plan. Spotted skunk _Spilogale gracilis_ (Greek: spilos, spot and gale, weasel ... gracilis, Latin: slender) Range: This species, together with several subspecies, is the common spotted skunk of the Southwest. It has a “spotty” distribution over the whole of the four-State area with which this book is concerned. Habitat: Common in most situations which offer suitable environment from near sea level, to an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet. Seldom encountered above timberline. These skunks normally live in burrows in the ground, but are not averse to taking up residence under buildings or in the walls or attics of frame houses. Description: A small, nocturnal, black and white animal about the size of an average grey tree squirrel. Total length about 16 inches, of which 6 inches is taken up by the tail. One description of the color pattern would be to call it marbled. The head usually has a prominent white spot between the eyes, with several smaller spots on the sides of the face. The forequarters are marked with four lateral, irregular white stripes which reach to mid body. The rump is variously blotched with white. Tail very bushy and about half white and half black. Eyes dark in color, ears small. Feet small but plantigrade as in the larger species of skunks. Young number three to six, born in early summer. Although this little animal has a slight heaviness of the hind quarters, reminiscent of the larger skunks, it is indeed, as both generic and specific names suggest, much more like a weasel. This impression is heightened by its quick movements and a bright-eyed attention to details which its larger relatives would hardly notice. It lacks the wild and fierce disposition of the weasels however, and becomes a charming and confiding nocturnal visitor if properly encouraged. Remember though that this acquaintance can be no more than an armed truce, and that should the articles of Formal Conduct be violated it can be terminated at a moment’s notice.