A small skunk smaller than the more familiar striped skunk, with a complex pattern of stripes broken into spots. Famously performs handstand defense displays before spraying.

Also called: Eastern Spotted Skunk, Civet Cat (folk)

Native status: Native to eastern US; vulnerable

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 30–37 cm; tail 19–26 cm
Weight400–900 g
LifespanWild 2–4 years
OrderCarnivora
FamilyMephitidae

§ Encyclopedia

The eastern spotted skunk is a small, relatively slender skunk found in North America, in the central and parts of the southeastern United States and in small areas of Canada and Mexico.

Source: Wikipedia — Eastern spotted skunk Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small skunk with intricate pattern of white spots and broken stripes on black body; white-tipped tail.

Similar species. Striped Skunk (single broad stripe). Western Spotted Skunk (sister species).

Voice. Hisses; foot-stomps as warnings.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects (especially beetles), rodents, eggs, fruits.

Behavior. Smaller cousin of striped skunk. Performs handstand display before spraying — defensive posture unique to spotted skunks.

§ Range

Eastern US, much-declined

§ Habitat

Forests, brushy areas, abandoned farms

§ Threats

Habitat loss, secondary rodenticide poisoning, vehicle strikes, mysterious population declines.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern spotted skunk is currently classified as Vulnerable.

§ What helps

Don't kill skunks. Skip rodenticides. Maintain brushy field corners.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • USGS
  • IUCN Red List 2016