Mammals
Eastern Spotted Skunk
Spilogale putorius · also called eastern spotted skunks, civet cat
Balanced on its front paws with tail and hindquarters raised high into the air, an eastern spotted skunk delivers one final, dramatic warning before spraying, a display from a smaller, more agile relative of the striped skunk that has grown far less common than it once was.
Overview
The eastern spotted skunk, Spilogale putorius, is a small, agile omnivore native to forest and grassland habitat across a range of the southeastern and central United States. Its dramatic handstand warning display, distinctive broken spotted pattern, and significant, still poorly understood population decline make it one of the more visually striking and conservation-concerning small mammals found in the region.
A smaller relative with a bigger warning display
Where the more familiar striped skunk simply turns and lifts its tail, the eastern spotted skunk goes considerably further, flipping into a full handstand as a last, unmistakable warning before deploying its defensive spray.
Status
Vulnerable and decreasing, having declined significantly across much of the southeastern and central United States since the mid-20th century for reasons that remain incompletely understood.
Eastern Spotted Skunk: common questions
Why does the eastern spotted skunk do a handstand?
This species performs a distinctive handstand on its front paws before spraying, lifting its hindquarters and tail high into the air as a highly visible final warning display, giving a threat one last clear chance to back away before the skunk actually releases its defensive spray.
How is the eastern spotted skunk different from the striped skunk?
This species is notably smaller and more agile than the more familiar striped skunk, is a considerably better climber, and displays a broken, spotted pattern of white markings rather than the more solid, unbroken stripes typical of the striped skunk.
Why has the eastern spotted skunk declined so much?
This species has experienced a significant population decline across much of its range since the mid-20th century, and while the exact causes remain incompletely understood, researchers suspect habitat loss and changes in agricultural land use have played a significant role in the species' decline to Vulnerable status.
Can the eastern spotted skunk climb trees?
Yes, this species is a considerably better climber than the striped skunk, sometimes ascending trees to escape predators or find food, an agility advantage that reflects its smaller, more nimble build compared with its larger, more ground-bound relative.