ORIGIN:
North America

HABITAT:
Forests, grasslands, meadows and suburban areas

HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
Up to 10 pounds
Length: 18 - 32 inches

DIET:
Insects, small animals, fish, carrion, eggs, fruits, nuts and seeds

PREDATORS:
Large birds of prey, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes and badgers

NATURAL DEFENSES:
A smelly fluid that can spray up to 12 feet

REPRODUCTION:
The babies are born two months after mating, usually in litters of five or six.

THREATS:
Habitat loss, disease, and poisoning

LIFE EXPECTANCY:
2 to 3.5 years; 8 to 12 years in human care