To view an elusive skunk
Biologist sets up cameras along the Grand Canyon
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A biologist has installed more than two dozen motion-sensing cameras along an 80-kilometre stretch of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of an elusive skunk species.
Grand Canyon National Park has documented hog- nosed skunk tracks and found signs of them burrowing for insects along the Colorado River, but they’re rarely seen and not known to make their home in Northern Arizona, especially not on the north side of the river.
Park biologist Brandon Holton set up the cameras in hopes of learning more about how the skunk got to the park and if more exist.
“This essentially is a new species for Grand Canyon. Whether it’s overlooked or whether it’s a new arrival, we don’t really know yet,” he said.
A group of rafters camping along the north side of the river captured an adult hog-nosed skunk on camera in August 2012. A juvenile skunk was photographed the following year about 16 km upstream. Holton says that could be a sign the skunks are breeding.
The western spotted skunk and the striped skunk are common at the park, but the hognosed skunk isn’t. The animal — with an entirely white back and tail, largely naked snout and long claws — is typically found in southeastern Arizona, Texas and Mexico, and roams at night.
Holton is planning to keep his cameras out for a year.
John Dillon, executive director of the Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association, said he’ll ask guides to watch for the skunk. The rafting community often volunteers to document sightings of specific animals in the river corridor, like bighorn sheep, birds and snakes.
“Anything that’s unusual or something the veteran guides have never seen before, they usually gather that up or take pictures for the park,” he said.