>From:    John Rich <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Skunks??
>
>Everything I`ve ever read about ferrets, included the Skunk as part of
>the 'family' that the ferret belonged to....????  What`s the truth??
 
John, the Order Carnivora is composed of distinct "families" including
such animals as dogs (Family Canidae), cats (Family Felidae), ferrets
(Family Mustilidae), & skunks (Family Mephitidae).
 
Due to distinct differences, skunks are no longer a sub-family of
Mustelidae (weasels, otters, polecats, ferrets, etc.).  Skunks are
considered a distinct family of their own: Mephitidae.
 
See
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Mephitidae.html
 
"Intelligence is like 4-wheel drive.  It allows you to get stuck in more
'remote' places."
~ Garrison Keillor ~
[Posted in FML issue 5172]