eastern spotted skunk
(Spilogale putorius)
Conservation • Description • Habitat • Biology • Distribution • Taxonomy
Conservation Status |
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| IUCN Red List | VU - Vulnerable |
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| NatureServe | N4 - Apparently Secure S2 - Imperiled |
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| Minnesota | Threatened Species in Greatest Conservation Need |
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Description |
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Eastern spotted skunk is a small, slender skunk. It is shaped like a weasel. It has four narrow white stripes that break into spots on the hindquarters. |
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Size |
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Total length: 18″ to 27″ |
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Sign |
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Similar Species |
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| Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is larger and stockier. Its shape is more like a cat. It has two white stripes that join together in a V shape at the shoulders. | ||
Habitat |
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Open and brushy areas, especially agricultural areas. |
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Biology |
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Behavior |
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Lifespan |
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10 years in captivity |
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Life Cycle |
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Food |
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Small mammals, especially house mouse in agricultural areas. |
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Distribution |
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Sources This map does not include historical local and township specimens or records in localities where the eastern spotted skunk is now presumed extirpated. |
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| 8/18/2022 | ||||
Occurrence |
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Common in eastern and central United States. Rare in Minnesota. |
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Taxonomy |
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| Class | Mammalia (mammals) | ||
| Subclass | Theria | ||
| Infraclass | Eutheria (placental mammals) | ||
| Magnorder | Boreoeutheria | ||
| Superorder | Laurasiatheria (ungulates, carnivorans, and allies) | ||
| Order | Carnivora (carnivorans) | ||
| Suborder | Caniformia (dog-like carnivores) | ||
Family |
Mephitidae (skunks and stink-badgers) | ||
| Subfamily | Mephitinae (true skunks) | ||
Genus |
Spilogale (spotted skunks) | ||
Subordinate Taxa |
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eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius putorius) Florida spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius ambarvalis) growling spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius ringens) Indianolan spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius indianola) prairie spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta) |
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Synonyms |
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Common Names |
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eastern spotted skunk spotted skunk |
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Visitor Photos |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos |
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Slideshows |
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Visitor Videos |
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Share your video of this mammal. |
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Other Videos |
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| Spotted Skunk in Dumpster video 001.avi Mopanemike |
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About
Uploaded on Feb 4, 2010 The Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) is smaller and more weasel-like than the striped skunk. Both species are nocturnal and crepuscular. The spotted skunks are faster and more agile than the striped skunks and they have better pelts. |
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| Spotted skunk handstand - Weird Nature - BBC wildlife BBCWorldwide |
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About
Uploaded on Jan 16, 2009 Enter the amazing world of the spotted skunk with this brilliant clip from BBC wildlife show 'Weird Nature'. A chance to see skunk defences at first hand, this short video includes images of a spotted skunk performing foot stomping, hand stands, and predatory spraying to ward off potential attackers. |
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| Eastern Spotted Skunk Daryl McQuinn |
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About
Uploaded on Dec 23, 2007 An Eastern Spotted Skunk named Charlie let out of his cage in the back porch. |
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| Brave skunk eating cat food majav15mg |
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About
Uploaded on Nov 15, 2011 A brave eastern spotted skunk eating cat food. |
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Visitor Sightings |
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Report a sighting of this mammal. |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Sightings |
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