Family: Mephitidae, Skunks view all from this family
Description A small skunk, virtually identical to Western Spotted Skunk. Black with horizontal white stripes on neck and shoulders, irregular vertical stripes and elongated spots on sides. White spots on top of head, between eyes. Tail with white tip. L 13 1/2–22" (343–563 mm); T 2 3/4 –8 5/8" (68–219 mm); HF 1 1/4–2 1/4" (33–56 mm); Wt 27 –35 oz (784–999 g).
Warning All skunks are highly developed for defense and can spray their foul-smelling musk distances of up to 15 feet. Besides its overpowering odor, the musk can burn the eyes and cause momentary loss of vision.
Similar Species Western Spotted Skunk is best distinguished by range. Other skunks are larger, with horizontal stripes or bands only.
Breeding Breeds late winter in northern parts of range. No delayed implantation; gestation 50–60 days. 1 litter of 2–6 young born April–May, in a Woodchuck burrow or hollow log, under a foundation, or in another protected place.
Habitat Mixed woodlands and open areas, scrub, and farmland.
Range In Midwest: e Wyoming, Minnesota, and Dakotas east to Wisconsin, and south to Texas and Louisiana. In East: Mississippi northeast to s Pennsylvania and South Carolina, and east to Florida.
Discussion Faster and more agile than the larger skunks, the Eastern Spotted Skunk is also a good climber, ascending trees to flee predators and occasionally to forage. This species is more social than other skunks, and several individuals may share a den in winter. Highly carnivorous, the Eastern Spotted Skunk feeds mainly on small mammals, but also eats grubs and other insects, as well as corn, grapes, and mulberries. Except when rearing the young, this skunk does not occupy a particular territory, but rather moves about and dens wherever convenient. Maternity dens are established in burrows of other animals, hollow logs, brush piles, or other protected places. The female breeds for the first time at 9 or 10 months. The young are born blind and furred in spring; they achieve adult coloration in early summer. Males do not participate in the rearing of the young. Although most larger carnivores will kill and eat this skunk if they can do so without being sprayed, they usually back off when the skunk starts its unique threat display. If a predator refuses to retreat when the skunk raises its tail, the skunk turns its back, stands on its forefeet, raises its tail again, spreads its hindfeet, and sprays, often for a distance of 12 feet (3.5 m). The great horned owl, the Eastern Spotted Skunk’s chief predator, can strike from above without warning and carry off a young skunk before its mother can spray. Other predators are the Coyote, the domestic dog, and perhaps the barred owl, but humans are the main enemy of skunks, often killing them casually out of fear, or running over them with automobiles. The fur of the Eastern Spotted Skunk is the finest and silkiest of the skunk furs, and pelts were once considered valuable.
