Description: Bushy black tail. White tip or fringe. Two broad stripes down back meeting with cap. 6-14 lbs. Same family as weasel, mink, fisher, and otter. Live 2 to 4 years.

Habitat: Most parts of US and S.Canada. Deserts, woodlands, planes, and suburbs. Use abandoned homes of other animals but will build 5 entrances and 1-3 new chambers. Not true hibernators – slow metabolism 87.88 to 98.6 dgrees (body temp).

Diet: Omnivore. Will eat what is seasonally available and garbage.

Reproduction: Breeding occurs in February to April followed by a gestation of 62 to 66 days.  At which time 4-7 kits are born. They are toothless, blind; their eyes will open at 3 weeks. They are able to able spray at 2 weeks.  Normally weaned at 2 months of age and are independent by fall.