![]() ![]() They are also more agile and vigilant than the other skunks dwelling in North America. Generally speaking, out of the four species, S. Although these skunks do not hibernate, they do tend to greatly reduce their activity when enduring intensely warm summers or very cold winters. They are also nocturnal and tend to be more active during dry cool nights rather than warm wet nights. The total body weight of adults ranges from 400 to 965 grams (14.1 to 34.0 oz).Įastern spotted skunks are quite secretive and crafty creatures, and it is a rarity for humans to see them. The large claws of the forefeet help the skunk dig and grasp prey. The feet are equipped with pads on the soles that aid in climbing. The feet are 40 to 53 millimetres (1.6 to 2.1 in) long, and the forefeet have claws approximately 7 millimetres (0.28 in) long, while the hind feet have claws that are around 3.5 centimetres (1.4 in). The typical body length of eastern spotted skunks is 24 to 26 centimetres (9.4 to 10.2 in) with a tail length from 11 to 19 centimetres (4.3 to 7.5 in), resulting in a total length of 35 to 45 centimetres (14 to 18 in). This is known as an aposematic fur pattern and is thought to act as a warning to predators. White markings are present on both cheeks, as well as on the tip of the tail. Two of the stripes are located at the median of the body and four stripes are placed on the side running from the back of the head to the rear. The eastern spotted skunk has a small weasel-like body with fine, dense black fur that has 4 to 6 broken, white stripes. Woody fencerows, odd areas, and abandoned farm buildings are also important habitat for eastern spotted skunks. In western counties, it relies heavily on riparian corridors where woody shrubs and woodland edges are present. Įastern spotted skunks seem to prefer forest edges and upland prairie grasslands, especially where rock outcrops and shrub clumps are present. They can also climb and take shelter in trees. Up to eight skunks may share an underground den in the winter. ![]() They have mostly the same predators as any other skunk (big cats, bobcats, owls, humans, etc.). They are much more active than any other type of skunk. The eastern spotted skunk is a very small skunk, no larger than a good-sized tree squirrel. Body mass can range from 0.2 to 1.8 kg (0.44 to 3.97 lb), with males averaging around 700 g (1.5 lb) against the female's average of 450 g (0.99 lb). The tail accounts for roughly a third of their total length. They are found in Canada (southeast Manitoba and northwestern Ontario), the United States and northeastern Mexico. ![]() They have a white spot on their forehead. The eastern spotted skunk has four stripes on its back which are broken in pattern, giving it a "spotted" appearance. This small skunk is more weasel-like in body shape than the more familiar striped skunk. The eastern spotted skunk ( Spilogale putorius) is a small, relatively slender skunk found in North America, throughout the eastern United States and in small areas of Canada and Mexico. ![]()
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