Eastern Spotted Skunk

Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius)

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Spotted skunks are active year-round, but breed in early spring. Females most often will produce one litter a year, giving birth to one to six young during late April through July. Their diet varies seasonally depending upon the foods available. They are extremely efficient omnivores, often eating insects, birds’ eggs, carrion, and other small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Behavior, Habitat and Conservation Status

Like their striped counterparts, spotted skunks also have well-developed scent glands and will spray in self-defense. Before resorting to spraying, spotted skunks will stomp their feet to warn off potential threats. If this doesn’t work, they will rise onto their front legs and perform a “handstand” as an extra warning before (or even while!) spraying. They are also the only skunk species that climbs trees.

Spotted Skunk in a "handstand" pose. (Photo: Shutterstock).​

In Kentucky, spotted skunks are found in the eastern part of the state. Brushy cover is extremely important habitat for spotted skunks, such as woodland habitats with thick rhododendron thickets and downed logs. They seem to prefer rock piles, rockslides, cliff crevices, and woodlots. Dens are found in rock crevices, buildings, hollow logs, and often in the burrows of other animals.

Figure 1: The current estimated range for Eastern Spotted Skunks is highlighted in orange on this map of Kentucky. The orange covers the Eastern part of the state.​

Spotted skunks are active year-round, but breed in early spring. Females most often will produce one litter a year, giving birth to one to six young during late April through July. Their diet varies seasonally depending upon the foods available. They are extremely efficient omnivores, often eating insects, birds’ eggs, carrion, and other small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

We still have a lot to learn about spotted skunk numbers in Kentucky. Unlike the more common striped skunk, spotted skunks appear to be in decline. This is thought to be the result of habitat loss, pesticide use, and the modernization of agricultural techniques. Based on suspected declines in Kentucky and surrounding states, spotted skunks are listed as a species of greatest conservation need in Kentucky’s State Wildlife Action Plan.

Spotted Skunk vs. Striped Skunk - Small and elusive cousins

The following traits are key differences between the two similar mammal species. 

 

Figure 2:  The illustration shows a Striped (left) and an Eastern Spotted Skunk (right). Look at the following traits to compare the two different mammal species. (Illustration: Devon Stivers, KDFWR)

1. ​The striped skunk typically has a long, bushy black tail, whereas the Spotted skunk is mostly white at the tip. 
   
2. Usually, Striped skunks have two long strips that cross down the back up to the tail. The Eastern Spotted has more spots running along the hip and rear, forming a more mosaic pattern. Some variations of skunk patterns may apply.
3. Striped skunks have a long, narrow patch down the center of the face. A spotted skunk has a more triangular face between the eyes.
4. Striped skunks are typically larger in size (typically domestic cat-sized), vs an eastern spotted skunk is typically smaller (squirrel-sized​). 

​Related Videos

Statewide Surveys - Trailcams, Public Reporting, Roadkill Reports

Because we know so little about the status of spotted skunks, recent research in the state has focused on documenting the presence of the species and characterizing the mesopredator communities where they are found. KDFWR currently conducts ongoing monitoring for spotted skunks using baited camera traps throughout their range. Future research will hopefully provide information about occupancy trends, life history, and habitat needs in Kentucky.​

Images from trail cameras and roadkill reports are valuable ways to document spotted skunk sightings. This current information will help us determine the current distribution and size of Kentucky’s spotted skunk population.