Molina's hog-nosed skunk
Scientific name: Conepatus chinga
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
This skunk is stocky and robust with a distinctive elongated, pig-like snout used for rooting. The coat is black with a white dorsal stripe running from head to tail, and white markings on the face; males are noticeably larger and more robust than females.
Size and weight
Adults weigh 1.4–2.5 kg (males averaging 2.0 kg, females 1.5 kg); body length 35–45 cm with a short, bushy tail of 12–15 cm.
Habitat
Molina's hog-nosed skunk inhabits arid and semi-arid scrublands, grasslands, and rocky foothills from sea level to approximately 3,500 m elevation. They prefer areas with loose soil suitable for digging and sparse vegetation cover.
Distribution
Found in the Andes and adjacent foothills from southern Peru through Bolivia to northwestern Argentina and northern Chile. Prefers arid, open terrain with exposed soil.
Diet
Primary diet consists of invertebrates (beetles, grubs, earthworms) obtained by digging; also consumes small vertebrates, fruits, and carrion, with seasonal shifts toward vegetation when invertebrates are scarce.
Behaviour
Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, solitary or in pairs; moves slowly and deliberately while foraging, leaving extensive digging sign; generally docile but will spray defensively when threatened.
Hunting tips
Look for fresh digging pits and scratch marks in soft ground—hallmark feeding sign. Follow trails in early morning along rocky ridges and arroyo bottoms where they move between den sites. Approach against the wind, moving slowly; their poor eyesight makes stalking feasible if you remain downwind and avoid sudden movement.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 3 countries in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.