Zorillas are members of the weasel family. They are black with four white stripes which go from the head to the tail. They look somewhat like skunks.
They have long, sharp claws. Their teeth are smaller than those of most members of the weasel family.
They also have white spots on their faces, one on the forehead and one on each cheek. The zorilla also goes by the names of striped polecat and striped weasel.
The zorilla (ictonyx striatus) may look like a skunk but is in fact a member of the weasel family.
Their heads and bodies measure 2.3 to 2.5 feet (28 to 30 centimeters) long, with their tails adding an additional 1.6 to 2.5 feet (20 to 30 centimeters) of length.
Where are Zorillas Found?
The zorilla can be found throughout the African continent
What Do Zorillas Eat?
Zorillas eat rodents such as rats, mice and rabbits. They also eat frogs, lizards, snakes, birds, bird eggs and beetles. They do not like vegetables but will eat them when nothing else is available.
Where Do Zorillas Live?
Zorillas are solitary animals and like to live by themselves. They live in openings in rocks or between rocks.
They also live under rocks, dig burrows or cover themselves with twigs and leaves. They also live in hollow trees.
They have long, sharp claws. Their teeth are smaller than those of most members of the weasel family.
They also have white spots on their faces, one on the forehead and one on each cheek. The zorilla also goes by the names of striped polecat and striped weasel.
The zorilla (ictonyx striatus) may look like a skunk but is in fact a member of the weasel family.
Their heads and bodies measure 2.3 to 2.5 feet (28 to 30 centimeters) long, with their tails adding an additional 1.6 to 2.5 feet (20 to 30 centimeters) of length.
Where are Zorillas Found?
The zorilla can be found throughout the African continent
What Do Zorillas Eat?
Zorillas eat rodents such as rats, mice and rabbits. They also eat frogs, lizards, snakes, birds, bird eggs and beetles. They do not like vegetables but will eat them when nothing else is available.
Where Do Zorillas Live?
Zorillas are solitary animals and like to live by themselves. They live in openings in rocks or between rocks.
They also live under rocks, dig burrows or cover themselves with twigs and leaves. They also live in hollow trees.
Fun Facts About Zorillas
- Like the skunk, the zorilla has an anal scent gland that it can use to spray a strong smelling liquid to keep it safe from predators.
- Zorillas like to stay awake during the night and to sleep during the day.
- The zorilla is not an endangered species. In fact, many farmers like having them around as they help pastures by keeping the number of beetle larvae down.
- It is believed that the breeding season for a zorilla is from early spring to late summer.
- Zorilla may also will growl, bark and fluff their tails to try and deter attackers. If this does not work, they will turn around and squirt out a strong-smelling liquid from their anal scent glands.
- Zorilla are black in color, with 4 white stripes that extend down the body from the top of the head to the tip of the tail. They also have white spots on their faces; one on the forehead and one on each cheek.
- The zorilla also goes by the names of striped polecat and striped weasel.
- Males zorilla are usually larger than females, weighing 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms) while females only reach about 2.2 pounds (1.02 kilograms) in weight.