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. |
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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 Biodiversity occurrence data published by: Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas (accessed through the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas Portal, bellatlas.umn.edu, 10/17/2025). This map does not include historical township and county records in localities where the eastern spotted skunk is now presumed extirpated. The event dates of the records are withheld by the Minnesota DNR. Nevertheless, almost all of the sightings represented on this map are probably from more than 35 years ago, when only 4 animals were documented in the state. Despite intensive efforts to locate them, a maximum of six Eastern Spotted Skunks have been documented in the last 20 years in Minnesota. |
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| 10/17/2025 | ||||
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 | Placentalia (placental mammals) | ||
| Magnorder | Boreoeutheria | ||
| Superorder | Laurasiatheria (ungulates, carnivorans, and allies) | ||
| Order | Carnivora (carnivorans) | ||
| Suborder | Caniformia (dog-like carnivores) | ||
| Infraorder | Arctoidea | ||
| Parvorder | Mustelida | ||
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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