>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]