Eastern Spotted Skunk
Photo Credit
Adobe Stock
SGCN
Game
Common Name
Eastern Spotted Skunk
Scientific Name
Spilogale putorius
Taxon
Mammals
Subtaxon or Group
Carnivore
Description
Roughly the size of a small house cat, it is distinguishable from the more common striped skunk by six white spots running the length of its back, and a small white spot between its eyes.
It also has an all-black tail with a white tip.
Status in North Dakota
Rare, year-round resident.
Range Map
Eastern Spotted Skunk possible range.
Reason for SWAP Designation
Identified as a Regional Species of Conservation Priority by the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
Little is known regarding the habitats of this secretive species in ND and is likely on the edge of its range.
Threats
Loss of riparian habitat is a major concern for Eastern Spotted Skunk.
It uses these areas to hunt, and also dens in logs and brush piles.
Research and Monitoring
- Eastern Spotted skunks and other rare carnivores are tracked with the NDGFD Online Furbearer Observation Report.
Management Recommendations
- Protect rivers, streams, and riparian areas where possible (i.e. conservation agreement and/or acquisition.
- Continue to use the Section 404 program to ensure affected rivers and riparian areas are mitigated to replace form and function.
- Continue to work with other federal agencies (i.e. FAA and FHWA) not covered by Section 404 or Swampbuster to ensure affected rivers and riparian areas are mitigated to replace form and function.
- Develop and promote incentive programs to restore riparian areas.
