Eastern spotted skunk : North Carolina wildlife profiles

Neil Pearson NORTH CAROLINA Eastern Spotted Skunk North Carolina Wildlife Profiles RESOURCES COMMISSION Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) The Eastern Spotted Skunk, often nicknamed a civet or polecat, is one of two native skunk species found in North Carolina. The other is the striped skunk. It is a small, relatively slender skunk that historically ranged from the Continental Divide through much of central and southeastern United States, as well as north¬ eastern Mexico. There are three sub-species of Eastern Spotted Skunk, with the Appalachian sub-species (Spilogale putorius interrupta ) occupying the Appalachian Mountains of the southeast United States. In North Carolina, spotted skunks are found only in the mid-to upper elevations of the mountains, though their historic range also included the western Piedmont. Unlike the more uniform distribution of striped skunks, spotted skunks are very localized in their distribution. Description Spotted skunks are jet black with broken white stripes and white spots. They have a distinctive triangular white spot on the head between their eyes and a variable amount of white fur on the end of the tail. With respect to body shape, they are simi¬ lar to striped skunks although much smaller. Adult spotted skunks are about the size of a large tree squirrel and weigh 1 to 4 lbs. Males are usually about 7 percent larger than females. The front paws are much longer than those on the hind feet and they can be used for climbing, digging, or restraining prey. History and Status The Eastern Spotted Skunk has experienced a >90% decline across its range starting in the 1940s. The exact causes that led to this decline are currently unknown, but hypothesized to be linked to habitat loss and fragmentation, unregulated overhar¬ vest, changes in agricultural methods, widespread use of pesticides, increased aerial predators (e.g., owls, hawks), competition with other meso-mammals (e.g., raccoons, striped skunks, and coyotes), and disease. In the central and southern Appalachian region, very little is known about the distributional status or ecology of this species. Recent anecdotal evidence suggests that the spotted skunk has been uncommon or laigely absent from most of the central and southern Appalachians over the last two decades, with only occasional sightings and captures. Spotted skunks are classified as a furbearer and may be taken during regulated trapping seasons, though very few are taken due to the increased selectivity of trappers. Habitats & Habits Spotted skunks prefer rocky areas or cover, as that helps them hide from potential aerial and terrestrial predators, and can provide den sites. In the Appalachian Moun¬ tains, they are found in young, dense forest stands (< 50 years old) and mature forest Eastern Spotted Skunks have been described as "acrobats" due to their various defensive postures. Spotted skunk displaying defensive posturing Robin Eng/Clemson University Range and Distribution In North Carolina, spotted skunks are found in the mountains and western Piedmont. Range Map