Description: This is the “wood kitty,” approached with due respect by all but the most naive. About the size of a house cat. Total length 22 to 30 inches. Tail 8 to 15 inches. Weight 6 to 10 pounds. Body color is black, with black tail except for the tip, which is commonly white. There are usually two white stripes on the back joining in a “V” at the back of the head and a white stripe down the front of the face. The head is small with a rather pointed nose, small black eyes, and small ears. Front legs are short, and the small feet are tipped with stout claws. Hind legs are longer and appreciably more of the large hind feet touch the ground. The tail is quite long and extremely bushy. It is carried in a downward curve when traveling; if its owner is startled or angry, it is held straight up with the hairs flared out. Dens of the striped skunk are usually in an underground burrow, but dens in hollow logs have been recorded. The usual number of young average from four to six. The family remains together for the greater part of a year before the young leave to make their own way. There are four species of skunks in the Southwest, but the observer in the higher country will see only two. These are the striped and the spotted. They are distinguished by two characteristics: first, the striped skunk is easily double the size of the spotted skunk; and, second, the spotted has a pattern of broken stripes and spots of white, whereas the larger animal has definitely long, continuous white stripes along sides or back. Both species have the same method of defense, but the odor of the smaller skunk is said to be somewhat less pungent and dissipates sooner than that of the striped. To the recipient of either barrage this has the same consolation as if he were given a choice between being hit by the H bomb or the A bomb. In the event of a direct strike it makes little difference. Should the reader be involved in an encounter with one of these malodorous creatures, there are many remedies prescribed but few giving any great measure of relief. If the skin is washed with a weak solution of acid such as lemon or tomato juice and then scrubbed thoroughly with soap and water, much of the odor will disappear. Clothes can be given the same treatment, but usually it is cheaper and easier to burn them and charge the cost to experience. Grandpa said to bury scented clothes in damp earth. Perhaps in time this will do the trick; I contend they are better left there.