Eastern spotted skunk
Taxonomy
Phylum: Chordata
Class:
Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Genus: Spilogale
Species: putorius
Physical Characteristics
Eastern spotted skunks have a deep black body and bushy tail. The tail has white/yellow irregular stripes.White spots are on top of each ear and on the forehead. The body length will reach about 13.5 inches. The adult males weigh about 2 pounds, and the females weigh about 1 pound. They are more weasel like in appearance than their cousins. Skunks discharge a noxious musk smell, from glands near the base of the tail.
Geographic Range and habitat
The eastern spotted skunk inhabits most of the central United States, from Illinois south to Florida. Their range includes eastern parts of Texas, and some extreme parts of eastern Mexico. The spotted skunk occurs largely in wooded areas and in tall-grass areas. They also have the tendency to live around farmyards and will often den under or in buildings.
Diet
The eastern spotted skunk eats carrion and live animals. They will also prey on birds nesting and roosting in trees. They will occasionally eat mice and frogs. The eastern spotted skunk is a omnivore, but they are more carnivorous than the stripped skunk.
Social organization
Eastern spotted skunks are solitary and nocturnal. They only come together during breeding season, which is late March to early April. During this time the males will increase their range up to four miles as they seek out females. Once the season is over, the males will go back to their solitary ways and will not help the female raise the young . They will defend themselves by stamping their feet, and then if the intruder does not leave they will stand on their hind legs and spray a jet of scent up to eleven feet.
Reproduction
Spotted skunks will breed in late winter and will give birth in April to July. There are usually 4 to 5 mouse sized kits born. The young are born pink in color, with a fine coat of hair. After about a month their eyes and ears will open. They eat solid foods around 6 weeks, and are adult sized near 12 weeks. At about two months the young are able to emit their own musk. They will reach sexual maturity between 9 and 10 months.
Predators
Spotted skunks have few predators. The great horned owl is the only real danger to the spotted skunk. They are also trapped for fur, but no real threat. Loss of forest habitat will become a problem eventually. Dogs, coyotes, and bobcats are also some of their predators.
Conservation Status
They are
not considered an endangered species ,however, habitat destruction and excessive hunting could become
a problem in the near future.
Hot Links
Chemistry
of Skunk Spray
University
of Michigan species narrative
Spotted
Skunk Critical Values- Wildlife Rehab Database
For more information, contact:
Small Carnivore TAG Education Liaison
Page created by Scott Henderson and Angie Tallman, Pensacola Junior College ZooTech Students, Fall 2001
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