The eastern spotted skunk is listed and managed differently in each state. Below, we have summarized the various classifications, monitoring, research, and contact information for each state alphabetically.
Alabama
Population status: Little is known about the current status of the species in Alabama. Incidental observations from public outreach efforts suggest the species maintains a statewide distribution, with perhaps highest densities living in an arc around the toe of the Appalachians and Piedmont.
Classification: Nongame Vertebrate Protected by Regulation.
Legal Status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources continues limited camera surveillance each winter to discover new populations across the state.
Date of last sighting: 2020.
Research: Dr. Andrew Edelman and graduate student Kassandra Arts, University of West Georgia, recently concluded a GPS collar study on skunks at Freedom Hills WMA and Talladega National Forest. They observed increased skunk activity and movement during periods of warmer temperatures and rainfall.
Contact: Nicholas Sharp, Nongame Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Wildlife Conservation Program, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, 21453 Harris Station Rd., Tanner, AL 35671-3308, P: (256) 308-2517, nicholas.sharp@dcnr.alabama.gov
Classification: Nongame Vertebrate Protected by Regulation.
Legal Status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources continues limited camera surveillance each winter to discover new populations across the state.
Date of last sighting: 2020.
Research: Dr. Andrew Edelman and graduate student Kassandra Arts, University of West Georgia, recently concluded a GPS collar study on skunks at Freedom Hills WMA and Talladega National Forest. They observed increased skunk activity and movement during periods of warmer temperatures and rainfall.
Contact: Nicholas Sharp, Nongame Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Wildlife Conservation Program, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, 21453 Harris Station Rd., Tanner, AL 35671-3308, P: (256) 308-2517, nicholas.sharp@dcnr.alabama.gov
Arkansas
Population status: The eastern spotted skunk is assumed to occur statewide but almost all recent records have been restricted to the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. More research is required to determine the abundance of this species.
Classification: Furbearer, S2S3 imperiled in Arkansas.
Legal Status: No hunting season. Trapping season with no bag limits.
Monitoring: Arkansas monitors harvest through required reports of purchases made by licensed fur dealers and conducts a survey of resident and non-resident trappers each year in which they inquire about incidental take of spotted skunks. From 2012-2016 a minimum of 56 spotted skunks were taken by trappers, 53 of which were incidental to trapping targeted at other species.
Date of last sighting: February 2020.
Research: The U.S. Forest Service conducted a game camera survey in the Ouachita Mountains in and near the sites where Damon Lesmeister worked in the early 2000s and detected numerous spotted skunks. Analysis of these data are underway. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission continues to survey trappers about incidental catches of spotted skunks and to seek specimens from them.
Contact: Blake Sasse, Nongame Mammal/Furbearer Program Leader, P: (501) 470-3650 ext. 1235, Blake.Sasse@agfc.ar.gov
Classification: Furbearer, S2S3 imperiled in Arkansas.
Legal Status: No hunting season. Trapping season with no bag limits.
Monitoring: Arkansas monitors harvest through required reports of purchases made by licensed fur dealers and conducts a survey of resident and non-resident trappers each year in which they inquire about incidental take of spotted skunks. From 2012-2016 a minimum of 56 spotted skunks were taken by trappers, 53 of which were incidental to trapping targeted at other species.
Date of last sighting: February 2020.
Research: The U.S. Forest Service conducted a game camera survey in the Ouachita Mountains in and near the sites where Damon Lesmeister worked in the early 2000s and detected numerous spotted skunks. Analysis of these data are underway. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission continues to survey trappers about incidental catches of spotted skunks and to seek specimens from them.
Contact: Blake Sasse, Nongame Mammal/Furbearer Program Leader, P: (501) 470-3650 ext. 1235, Blake.Sasse@agfc.ar.gov
Colorado
Population status: Thought to be extremely rare or extirpated.
Classification: Non-game species
Legal Status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: Known only from a few specimens found at the eastern border.
Date of last sighting: Unknown.
Research: No CPW sponsored studies currently underway or planned.
Contact: Eric Odell, eric.odell@state.co.us
Classification: Non-game species
Legal Status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: Known only from a few specimens found at the eastern border.
Date of last sighting: Unknown.
Research: No CPW sponsored studies currently underway or planned.
Contact: Eric Odell, eric.odell@state.co.us
Florida
Population status: Genetic work by Dr. Robert Dowler and his students at Angelo State University (Shaffer et al. 2018) supports recognition of 2 subspecies of eastern spotted skunk in Florida. The range of the Appalachian, or Allegheny, spotted skunk (S. p. putorius) is recognized as extending into north Florida. The accepted range of the Florida spotted skunk (S. p. ambarvalis) covers peninsular Florida, south from, approximately, the Suwannee River. However, the break between the distributions of the 2 subspecies is not known. Based on recent work by researchers from Clemson University and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff (see below) and anecdotal observations at other sites in central Florida, it appears the Florida spotted skunk is at least locally abundant in some areas. At this time, the status of the Appalachian spotted skunk in Florida is not well understood, but it may be rare. Few records of spotted skunks have been reported in the Florida panhandle, and a camera trap-based monitoring effort in the panhandle produced few observations of spotted skunks (J. Gore, FWC, personal communication). The Eastern spotted skunk is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Florida’s State Wildlife Action Plan.
Classification: Furbearer.
Legal Status: Trapping season (year-round with no bag limit).
Monitoring: No current dedicated monitoring. Efforts are being made to fund additional surveys for spotted skunks and other mesomammal species. A project to solicit citizen science observations is underway (e.g., iNaturalist, Survey 1,2,3, social media outreach).
Date of last sighting: The last known reported sighting was April 18, 2020 in Martin County. This sighting was submitted to iNaturalist with photo documentation.
Research: Dr. David Jachowski (djachow@clemson.edu) and Stephen Harris at Clemson University conducted a 2016-2017 study of a population in south-central Florida. Their research focused on den site selection, movement ecology and diet. The FWC staff at the Three Lakes WMA in south-central Florida conducted a 2016–2018, grid-based, mark-recapture study of the population there to assess density and other population parameters.
Contact: Terry Doonan, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, terry.doonan@myfwc.com
Classification: Furbearer.
Legal Status: Trapping season (year-round with no bag limit).
Monitoring: No current dedicated monitoring. Efforts are being made to fund additional surveys for spotted skunks and other mesomammal species. A project to solicit citizen science observations is underway (e.g., iNaturalist, Survey 1,2,3, social media outreach).
Date of last sighting: The last known reported sighting was April 18, 2020 in Martin County. This sighting was submitted to iNaturalist with photo documentation.
Research: Dr. David Jachowski (djachow@clemson.edu) and Stephen Harris at Clemson University conducted a 2016-2017 study of a population in south-central Florida. Their research focused on den site selection, movement ecology and diet. The FWC staff at the Three Lakes WMA in south-central Florida conducted a 2016–2018, grid-based, mark-recapture study of the population there to assess density and other population parameters.
Contact: Terry Doonan, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, terry.doonan@myfwc.com
Georgia
Population status: Present but thought to be rare or extirpated across most of their range.
Classification: Furbearer species; State high priority species. Classified as S3 vulnerable.
Legal Status: Legal to trap during the furbearer trapping season.
Monitoring: Spotted skunks are reported yearly with some being trapped every year during the trapping season.
Date of last sighting: March 2019.
Research: Research was recently completed by several universities in Georgia. A citizen science camera trapping project in West Georgia is ongoing.
Contact: Katrina Morris, Wildlife Conservation Section, GA DNR, Katrina.morris@dnr.ga.gov
Classification: Furbearer species; State high priority species. Classified as S3 vulnerable.
Legal Status: Legal to trap during the furbearer trapping season.
Monitoring: Spotted skunks are reported yearly with some being trapped every year during the trapping season.
Date of last sighting: March 2019.
Research: Research was recently completed by several universities in Georgia. A citizen science camera trapping project in West Georgia is ongoing.
Contact: Katrina Morris, Wildlife Conservation Section, GA DNR, Katrina.morris@dnr.ga.gov
Iowa
Population status: Eastern spotted skunks are listed as endangered (S1) on the Iowa State Wildlife Action Plan.
Classification: Endangered.
Legal Status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: Currently, there is no dedicated monitoring occurring in Iowa for the spotted skunk. However, wildlife monitoring occurs throughout the state for the wildlife action plan.
Date of last sighting: The most recent sightings in Iowa include the following: two to three spotted skunks were reported/documented in the Camp Dodge (Polk Co.) area on 7/20/14. This was the first documented case of spotted skunks in Iowa in the past 20 years; one spotted skunk was found dead on a road in Sac County, Iowa, April 2016.
Research: No ongoing research, neither is any planned.
Contact: Vince Evelsizer, Vince.Evelsizer@dnr.iowa.gov
Classification: Endangered.
Legal Status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: Currently, there is no dedicated monitoring occurring in Iowa for the spotted skunk. However, wildlife monitoring occurs throughout the state for the wildlife action plan.
Date of last sighting: The most recent sightings in Iowa include the following: two to three spotted skunks were reported/documented in the Camp Dodge (Polk Co.) area on 7/20/14. This was the first documented case of spotted skunks in Iowa in the past 20 years; one spotted skunk was found dead on a road in Sac County, Iowa, April 2016.
Research: No ongoing research, neither is any planned.
Contact: Vince Evelsizer, Vince.Evelsizer@dnr.iowa.gov
Kansas
Population status: Kansas lists all spotted skunks as a tier 1 high-priority species.
Classification: Furbearer, considered threatened.
Legal status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: Attempt to verify every spotted skunk report we receive and collect all carcasses of dead animals. KDWPT has also been monitoring baited camera stations in the winter and spring.
Date of last sighting: Last confirmation was in March 2020.
Research: Chickadee Checkoff funded trail camera research on public lands in southeast Kansas. Goals of the project include determining distribution and quantifying habitat.
Contact: Zack Cordes, Zackary.cordes@ks.gov
Classification: Furbearer, considered threatened.
Legal status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: Attempt to verify every spotted skunk report we receive and collect all carcasses of dead animals. KDWPT has also been monitoring baited camera stations in the winter and spring.
Date of last sighting: Last confirmation was in March 2020.
Research: Chickadee Checkoff funded trail camera research on public lands in southeast Kansas. Goals of the project include determining distribution and quantifying habitat.
Contact: Zack Cordes, Zackary.cordes@ks.gov
Kentucky
Population status: Imperiled because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the state.
Classification: Special Concern (Office of Kentucky Nature Preserve’s Monitored Species and Natural Communities of Kentucky); Furbearer, S2: imperiled (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Mammal CWCS Species).
Legal status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: Formal monitoring is occurring as part of a project funded by the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves. Records submitted to the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves or the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources are also taken into account.
Date of last sighting: October 2019.
Research: Drs. Luke Dodd and Kelly Watson and M.S. student Courtney Hayes at Eastern Kentucky University are working to detect eastern spotted skunks throughout the state using baited camera trap surveys. Habitat and sympatric mesopredator associations are being explored.
Contact: Sunni Carr, Wildlife Diversity Coordinator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Sunni.Carr@ky.gov; and Shelby Fulton, Terrestrial Zoologist with the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves, shelby.fulton@ky.gov
Classification: Special Concern (Office of Kentucky Nature Preserve’s Monitored Species and Natural Communities of Kentucky); Furbearer, S2: imperiled (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Mammal CWCS Species).
Legal status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: Formal monitoring is occurring as part of a project funded by the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves. Records submitted to the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves or the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources are also taken into account.
Date of last sighting: October 2019.
Research: Drs. Luke Dodd and Kelly Watson and M.S. student Courtney Hayes at Eastern Kentucky University are working to detect eastern spotted skunks throughout the state using baited camera trap surveys. Habitat and sympatric mesopredator associations are being explored.
Contact: Sunni Carr, Wildlife Diversity Coordinator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Sunni.Carr@ky.gov; and Shelby Fulton, Terrestrial Zoologist with the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves, shelby.fulton@ky.gov
Louisiana
Population status: Critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer occurrences) or because of some factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state. Believed to be extirpated.
Classification: Louisiana classifies eastern spotted skunks as S1 = Critically Imperiled.
Legal status: Open to harvest during furbearer trapping season (Louisiana does not distinguish between striped or spotted skunk in their furbearer regulations).
Monitoring: Dr. Paul Leberg with University of Louisiana, Lafayette, sampled throughout the state from 2009 to 2012 and was unable to come up with a single detection. Following Alabama’s example, we have put out a series of “Have you seen me?” advertisements and press releases beginning the fall of 2019. As of March 2020, we have received over 20 reports, but have not had any confirmed sightings.
Date of last sightings: George H. Lowery wrote of a few roadkill sightings in “The Mammals of Louisiana and its Adjacent Waters” published in 1974. He also wrote that fur harvest of spotted skunks had declined to almost nothing in the decade prior to the book being written. This may be due to lack of interest in harvesting skunks, but they were likely in decline at this time as well.
Research: None ongoing; Research needed: Intensive, targeted research is needed within historical range to determine current status in state.
Contact: Jennifer Hogue Manuel, jhogue-manuel@wlf.la.gov
Classification: Louisiana classifies eastern spotted skunks as S1 = Critically Imperiled.
Legal status: Open to harvest during furbearer trapping season (Louisiana does not distinguish between striped or spotted skunk in their furbearer regulations).
Monitoring: Dr. Paul Leberg with University of Louisiana, Lafayette, sampled throughout the state from 2009 to 2012 and was unable to come up with a single detection. Following Alabama’s example, we have put out a series of “Have you seen me?” advertisements and press releases beginning the fall of 2019. As of March 2020, we have received over 20 reports, but have not had any confirmed sightings.
Date of last sightings: George H. Lowery wrote of a few roadkill sightings in “The Mammals of Louisiana and its Adjacent Waters” published in 1974. He also wrote that fur harvest of spotted skunks had declined to almost nothing in the decade prior to the book being written. This may be due to lack of interest in harvesting skunks, but they were likely in decline at this time as well.
Research: None ongoing; Research needed: Intensive, targeted research is needed within historical range to determine current status in state.
Contact: Jennifer Hogue Manuel, jhogue-manuel@wlf.la.gov
Maryland
Population status: Historical, possibly extirpated from the state.
Classification: The species is legally classified in Maryland as a “Protected Nongame Mammal” (COMAR 08.03.08.15) which limits take to the following conditions: (1) Permits to take protected nongame mammals may only be issued for: (a) Scientific research; (b) Educational purposes designed to further public awareness regarding the species; (c) Protection of human health and safety; or (d) To address damage to property. (2) Incidental taking permits are not required for protected nongame mammals. MD DNR currently ranks it as S1. However, the state conservation rank is likely to soon change to SH given the lack of any detections during a recently completed, intensive, multi-year survey and the lack of any records since 1967 (see below). The SH rank is defined as “Known only from historical records and some hope of rediscovery remains. There is some evidence that the species may no longer be present, but not enough to know with certainty.” The species is also designated as a species of greatest conservation need (SGNC) in the Maryland 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan.
Legal status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: No current monitoring.
Date of last sighting: The last documented sightings were in 1967 in Garrett and Washington Counties. Other records exist from these counties as well as Allegany.
Research: Baited camera-trap surveys were conducted at 35 sites on Maryland Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, and Army Corp of Engineers lands, in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties between 2015 and 2018. Camera traps were conducted both at historical sites that retained potential spotted skunk habitat, and sites throughout the species historic range identified as having suitable habitat. We requested information from the public, outdoor recreationists, and natural resource professionals via “wanted posters”, sportsmen meetings, and questionnaires. No spotted skunks were detected during our camera-trap surveys, and there were no reports that resulted in a verified sighting.
Contact: Dr. Tom Serfass, Tserfass@frostburg.edu; Kelly Pearce, kpearce@allegheny.edu; James McCann, james.mccann@maryland.gov
Classification: The species is legally classified in Maryland as a “Protected Nongame Mammal” (COMAR 08.03.08.15) which limits take to the following conditions: (1) Permits to take protected nongame mammals may only be issued for: (a) Scientific research; (b) Educational purposes designed to further public awareness regarding the species; (c) Protection of human health and safety; or (d) To address damage to property. (2) Incidental taking permits are not required for protected nongame mammals. MD DNR currently ranks it as S1. However, the state conservation rank is likely to soon change to SH given the lack of any detections during a recently completed, intensive, multi-year survey and the lack of any records since 1967 (see below). The SH rank is defined as “Known only from historical records and some hope of rediscovery remains. There is some evidence that the species may no longer be present, but not enough to know with certainty.” The species is also designated as a species of greatest conservation need (SGNC) in the Maryland 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan.
Legal status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: No current monitoring.
Date of last sighting: The last documented sightings were in 1967 in Garrett and Washington Counties. Other records exist from these counties as well as Allegany.
Research: Baited camera-trap surveys were conducted at 35 sites on Maryland Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, and Army Corp of Engineers lands, in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties between 2015 and 2018. Camera traps were conducted both at historical sites that retained potential spotted skunk habitat, and sites throughout the species historic range identified as having suitable habitat. We requested information from the public, outdoor recreationists, and natural resource professionals via “wanted posters”, sportsmen meetings, and questionnaires. No spotted skunks were detected during our camera-trap surveys, and there were no reports that resulted in a verified sighting.
Contact: Dr. Tom Serfass, Tserfass@frostburg.edu; Kelly Pearce, kpearce@allegheny.edu; James McCann, james.mccann@maryland.gov
Minnesota
Population status: Since 1996, the eastern spotted skunk has been considered threatened. In Minnesota, a species is considered as threatened if it is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future in a significant portion or all of the state’s range.
Classification: State threatened.
Legal status: Due to its status as threatened, the eastern spotted skunk does not have a season for harvesting. If one does accidently harvest an eastern spotted skunk, it should be reported immediately to the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Monitoring: Though the last effort of live-trapping to survey for the eastern spotted skunk was done in 1995, Minnesota requests that citizens who see a spotted skunk report to the state’s DNR. Periodically, request for recent sightings is sent out to groups of people that are most likely to have encountered them: farmers, trappers, fur-buyers, and wildlife managers.
Date of last sighting: 2011 (specimen collected). No verified records since then.
Research: If an eastern spotted skunk is verified, Minnesota may conduct surveys around the area of sighting to determine if a population exists.
Contact: Gerda Nordquist, gerda.nordquist@state.mn.us; John Erb, john.erb@state.mn.us
Classification: State threatened.
Legal status: Due to its status as threatened, the eastern spotted skunk does not have a season for harvesting. If one does accidently harvest an eastern spotted skunk, it should be reported immediately to the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Monitoring: Though the last effort of live-trapping to survey for the eastern spotted skunk was done in 1995, Minnesota requests that citizens who see a spotted skunk report to the state’s DNR. Periodically, request for recent sightings is sent out to groups of people that are most likely to have encountered them: farmers, trappers, fur-buyers, and wildlife managers.
Date of last sighting: 2011 (specimen collected). No verified records since then.
Research: If an eastern spotted skunk is verified, Minnesota may conduct surveys around the area of sighting to determine if a population exists.
Contact: Gerda Nordquist, gerda.nordquist@state.mn.us; John Erb, john.erb@state.mn.us
Mississippi
Population status: According to Mississippi’s State Wildlife Action Plan 2015-2015, the eastern spotted skunk has a Heritage Rank of S1 and is considered a Tier 1 species. S1 species are considered critically imperiled because of extreme rarity or because of factors that would make it vulnerable to extirpation. Rarity is 5 or fewer occurrences or very few remaining individuals or few acres of habitat. Tier 1 species are in need of immediate conservation and/or research due to factors listed above.
Classification: Nuisance wildlife.
Legal status: Furbearers Season: November 1st- March 15th, with no bag limit with a trapping license.
Monitoring: Most spotted skunk records in Mississippi predate 1960. There are 4 more recent records beginning in 2002. From 2008–2010, Mississippi conducted intensive surveys using live traps and focusing on areas of historic occurrence based on specimen records at the museum. They failed to capture any specimens during these surveys. However, in January 2012 a trapper in eastern Yalobusha County captured a spotted skunk (identity was verified and a skin was collected). In February 2013, MS live trapped at Calhoun WMA (Calhoun Co.) not far from the location where the 2012 specimen was captured, and we captured and collected one specimen. In January of 2019, a spotted skunk was photographed during a camera trap survey on Canemount WMA by MDWFP biologists.
Date of last sighting: January 29, 2019.
Research: Baited camera surveys are going to be conducted from November 2020-March 2021 on public lands throughout the state. Follow up studies will be conducted if any sightings.
Contact: Katelin Cross, Katelin.Cross@mmns.ms.gov
Classification: Nuisance wildlife.
Legal status: Furbearers Season: November 1st- March 15th, with no bag limit with a trapping license.
Monitoring: Most spotted skunk records in Mississippi predate 1960. There are 4 more recent records beginning in 2002. From 2008–2010, Mississippi conducted intensive surveys using live traps and focusing on areas of historic occurrence based on specimen records at the museum. They failed to capture any specimens during these surveys. However, in January 2012 a trapper in eastern Yalobusha County captured a spotted skunk (identity was verified and a skin was collected). In February 2013, MS live trapped at Calhoun WMA (Calhoun Co.) not far from the location where the 2012 specimen was captured, and we captured and collected one specimen. In January of 2019, a spotted skunk was photographed during a camera trap survey on Canemount WMA by MDWFP biologists.
Date of last sighting: January 29, 2019.
Research: Baited camera surveys are going to be conducted from November 2020-March 2021 on public lands throughout the state. Follow up studies will be conducted if any sightings.
Contact: Katelin Cross, Katelin.Cross@mmns.ms.gov
Missouri
Population status: Endangered.
Classification: Furbearer.
Legal status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: Sighting reports are being solicited from the public, trapping community, and Department of Conservation Staff; and are cataloged in the Department’s Natural Heritage Database.
Date of last sighting: last confirmed report January 2016.
Research: Occupancy modeling and relative abundance project began in May 2020.
Contact: Charles Anderson, charles.anderson@mdc.mo.gov
Classification: Furbearer.
Legal status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: Sighting reports are being solicited from the public, trapping community, and Department of Conservation Staff; and are cataloged in the Department’s Natural Heritage Database.
Date of last sighting: last confirmed report January 2016.
Research: Occupancy modeling and relative abundance project began in May 2020.
Contact: Charles Anderson, charles.anderson@mdc.mo.gov
Montana
Population status: Although the historic range of this species included Montana, this may have just been from the connecting of Wyoming and North Dakota in range maps, as Montana has never had a sighting of the eastern spotted skunk. The University of Montana and the Montana Natural Heritage Program has done, and continues to do, extensive trapping throughout the state with no success of sighting an eastern spotted skunk.
Classification: Predatory animal.
Legal status: No license or reporting required for take by residents.
Monitoring: None.
Date of last sighting: None.
Research: None.
Contact: Dr. Kerry Foresman, kerry.foresman@mso.umt.edu
Classification: Predatory animal.
Legal status: No license or reporting required for take by residents.
Monitoring: None.
Date of last sighting: None.
Research: None.
Contact: Dr. Kerry Foresman, kerry.foresman@mso.umt.edu
Nebraska
Population status: The plains spotted skunk is considered critically imperiled in the state of Nebraska.
Classification: Plains spotted skunks are listed as furbearers and at-risk species (S1 Tier 1) in the Nebraska State Wildlife Action Plan.
Legal status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission collects carcasses/observation reports from the public. Citizen science surveys utilizing camera traps have been conducted since 2017.
Date of last sighting: 2017.
Research: None.
Contact: Sam Wilson, sam.wilson@nebraska.gov; Shaun Dunn, shaun.dunn@nebraska.gov
Classification: Plains spotted skunks are listed as furbearers and at-risk species (S1 Tier 1) in the Nebraska State Wildlife Action Plan.
Legal status: No hunting or trapping season.
Monitoring: The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission collects carcasses/observation reports from the public. Citizen science surveys utilizing camera traps have been conducted since 2017.
Date of last sighting: 2017.
Research: None.
Contact: Sam Wilson, sam.wilson@nebraska.gov; Shaun Dunn, shaun.dunn@nebraska.gov
North Carolina
Population status: Present but unknown status. Current known range is in western mountain region of North Carolina.
Classification: Furbearer, Wildlife Action Plan Priority Species (S3, rare or uncommon in North Carolina).
Legal status: Legal to trap during the statewide regulated trapping season (November 1st through the end of February). No bag limits.
Monitoring: Recording confirmed observations (1959-Present) and an annual winter camera survey (2015-Present).
Date of last sighting: April 22, 2020 (Confirmed dead skunk found during ESSK research project).
Research: Since little is known of the eastern spotted skunk’s status, population size and trends, North Carolina initiated a western regional camera survey in the winter of 2015. Winter 2020 was the 6th year of the study. In 2019, we had 213 detections at 8 different sites. North Carolina also contracted with Clemson University to conduct a research project that will increase the understanding of the basic life history traits (e.g., mortality factors, survivorship rates, habitat use, movements, reproduction) of the eastern spotted skunk in order to determine its population status (i.e., increasing, decreasing, stable) and to inform the agency on actions that can be taken to better survey, monitor and manage this species. This project will be complete by Dec. 31, 2021.
Contact: Colleen Olfenbuttel, P: (919) 920-6302, colleen.olfenbuttel@ncwildlife.org
Classification: Furbearer, Wildlife Action Plan Priority Species (S3, rare or uncommon in North Carolina).
Legal status: Legal to trap during the statewide regulated trapping season (November 1st through the end of February). No bag limits.
Monitoring: Recording confirmed observations (1959-Present) and an annual winter camera survey (2015-Present).
Date of last sighting: April 22, 2020 (Confirmed dead skunk found during ESSK research project).
Research: Since little is known of the eastern spotted skunk’s status, population size and trends, North Carolina initiated a western regional camera survey in the winter of 2015. Winter 2020 was the 6th year of the study. In 2019, we had 213 detections at 8 different sites. North Carolina also contracted with Clemson University to conduct a research project that will increase the understanding of the basic life history traits (e.g., mortality factors, survivorship rates, habitat use, movements, reproduction) of the eastern spotted skunk in order to determine its population status (i.e., increasing, decreasing, stable) and to inform the agency on actions that can be taken to better survey, monitor and manage this species. This project will be complete by Dec. 31, 2021.
Contact: Colleen Olfenbuttel, P: (919) 920-6302, colleen.olfenbuttel@ncwildlife.org
North Dakota
Population status: North Dakota lists the eastern spotted skunk as a level 3 species of concern due to the belief that they are peripheral or non-breeding in the state. They have a moderate level of conservation priority.
Classification: Furbearer unprotected.
Legal status: Trapping permitted during open season, no limit.
Monitoring: We record reports of occurrence when they are received.
Date of last sighting: 5/25/2016 in Benson County.
Research: None specifically for spotted skunks.
Contact: Stephanie Tucker, satucker@nd.gov; Patrick Isakson, piskason@nd.gov
Classification: Furbearer unprotected.
Legal status: Trapping permitted during open season, no limit.
Monitoring: We record reports of occurrence when they are received.
Date of last sighting: 5/25/2016 in Benson County.
Research: None specifically for spotted skunks.
Contact: Stephanie Tucker, satucker@nd.gov; Patrick Isakson, piskason@nd.gov
Ohio
Population status: No reliable historical records found for eastern spotted skunks throughout the state.
Classification: All skunk species are considered a furbearer.
Legal status: Skunks can be trapped or hunted during designated seasons with no bag limit.
Monitoring: None.
Date of last sighting: None.
Research: A small-scale effort to search for the eastern spotted skunk in southern Ohio began in 2019 on the Ironton Unit of the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio. To date, no eastern spotted skunks have been detected.
Contact: Katie Dennison, catherine.denison@dnr.state.oh.us
Classification: All skunk species are considered a furbearer.
Legal status: Skunks can be trapped or hunted during designated seasons with no bag limit.
Monitoring: None.
Date of last sighting: None.
Research: A small-scale effort to search for the eastern spotted skunk in southern Ohio began in 2019 on the Ironton Unit of the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio. To date, no eastern spotted skunks have been detected.
Contact: Katie Dennison, catherine.denison@dnr.state.oh.us
Oklahoma
Population status: Currently considered very rare to nearly-extirpated from most of central Oklahoma, including the Cross Timbers, Tallgrass Prairie, and Mixed-grass Prairie ecoregions. Since 2000, over 80% of observations have been in the Ozark Highlands, Boston Mountains, and Ouachita Mountains areas in the eastern third of the state. Spilogale may be more abundant in mixed hardwood-pine woodlands in the Ouachita Mountains, but are still considered uncommon-to-rare overall.
Classification: : Furbearer, designated as a Tier III species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) in the Oklahoma Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy.
Legal status: Closed to hunting and trapping.
Monitoring: ODWC has been soliciting observations from the public since 2017 through social media platforms, published hunting and fishing regulations, and in partnership with research cooperators (i.e., University of Central Oklahoma).
Date of last sighting: August 2020.
Research: In addition to gathering observations and reports, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has been funding a research project with the University of Central Oklahoma using State Wildlife Grant funds. The purpose of the project is to conduct a survey and status assessment of the plains (eastern) spotted skunk in the state. Since the project began in 2018, six new trail camera observations have been documented in two counties. Trapping efforts have been concentrated in the Ozark Highlands, Boston Mountains, and Ouachita Mountains regions in far eastern Oklahoma. Vicki Jackson, the principal investigator for the project, can be reached at vjackson4@uco.edu.
Contact: Matt Fullerton, matthew.fullerton@odwc.ok.gov; Jerrod Davis, jerrod.davis@odwc.ok.gov
Classification: : Furbearer, designated as a Tier III species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) in the Oklahoma Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy.
Legal status: Closed to hunting and trapping.
Monitoring: ODWC has been soliciting observations from the public since 2017 through social media platforms, published hunting and fishing regulations, and in partnership with research cooperators (i.e., University of Central Oklahoma).
Date of last sighting: August 2020.
Research: In addition to gathering observations and reports, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has been funding a research project with the University of Central Oklahoma using State Wildlife Grant funds. The purpose of the project is to conduct a survey and status assessment of the plains (eastern) spotted skunk in the state. Since the project began in 2018, six new trail camera observations have been documented in two counties. Trapping efforts have been concentrated in the Ozark Highlands, Boston Mountains, and Ouachita Mountains regions in far eastern Oklahoma. Vicki Jackson, the principal investigator for the project, can be reached at vjackson4@uco.edu.
Contact: Matt Fullerton, matthew.fullerton@odwc.ok.gov; Jerrod Davis, jerrod.davis@odwc.ok.gov
Pennsylvania
Population status: State biologists are unable to predict the population trend, because there have been no more than 5 individuals reported. The conservation goal is to establish a self-sustaining population by 2025.
Classification: Imperiled. Pennsylvania lists spotted skunks as a species of greatest conservation need.
Legal status: Spotted skunks are protected within the state, meaning there is no season for take by any type of trapper.
Monitoring: Pennsylvania Game Commission recognizes there are many threats to the spotted skunk population - mortality from natural predation (biggest threat), mortality from incidental take by trapper, mortality from vehicle collision, habitat modification and lower food availability due to agricultural management.
Date of last sighting: Most current sighting occurred in 2012 by a wildlife consultant in Fayette County, just north of West Virginia. The sighting was verified via trail cameras by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Surveys in adjacent areas were unsuccessful. Before then, the most current sighting was in the 1950s in two counties to the east (Bedford and Fulton).
Research: Since the 2012 sighting in Fayette County, Pennsylvania has established a camera trap survey. In addition, Pennsylvania Game Commission has a 10-year ongoing project to capture the current distribution of mammals, ultimately including spotted skunks in the research. Pennsylvania is in the middle of conducting trail camera surveys. The state is also in the middle of developing a hair snare that is conducive to eastern spotted skunks, but also raccoon and bear resistant.
Contact: Gregory Turner, grturner@pa.gov
Classification: Imperiled. Pennsylvania lists spotted skunks as a species of greatest conservation need.
Legal status: Spotted skunks are protected within the state, meaning there is no season for take by any type of trapper.
Monitoring: Pennsylvania Game Commission recognizes there are many threats to the spotted skunk population - mortality from natural predation (biggest threat), mortality from incidental take by trapper, mortality from vehicle collision, habitat modification and lower food availability due to agricultural management.
Date of last sighting: Most current sighting occurred in 2012 by a wildlife consultant in Fayette County, just north of West Virginia. The sighting was verified via trail cameras by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Surveys in adjacent areas were unsuccessful. Before then, the most current sighting was in the 1950s in two counties to the east (Bedford and Fulton).
Research: Since the 2012 sighting in Fayette County, Pennsylvania has established a camera trap survey. In addition, Pennsylvania Game Commission has a 10-year ongoing project to capture the current distribution of mammals, ultimately including spotted skunks in the research. Pennsylvania is in the middle of conducting trail camera surveys. The state is also in the middle of developing a hair snare that is conducive to eastern spotted skunks, but also raccoon and bear resistant.
Contact: Gregory Turner, grturner@pa.gov
South Carolina
Population status: Little is known about the spotted skunk population within the state of South Carolina. Until recently, South Carolina had no spotted skunk recorded in 16 years. Under the South Carolina State Wildlife Action Plan spotted skunks are listed as a species of moderate priority. Skunks may have been taken during trapping seasons over the years, but there was no differentiation between spotted or striped skunks on the harvest report form until recently.
Classification: Furbearer.
Legal status: May be hunted/trapped during the open season.
Monitoring: During 2015–2017, intensive camera trap monitoring was conducted by Clemson University in the northwestern part of the state, confirming the presence of the species in National Forests in that region. There are no ongoing dedicated monitoring efforts.
Date of last sighting: November 2019.
Research: In 2015–2017, Clemson University graduate student Robin Eng conducted camera trap surveys to determine distribution and occupancy patterns of spotted skunk populations in the northwest corner of the state. She also conducted radiotracking of spotted skunks to determine fine-scale patterns in den site selection. Her thesis is published online, and papers regarding these two projects are published in the Journal of Wildlife Management and Journal of Mammalogy. Contact: djachow@clemson.edu.
Contact: Jay Butfiloski, ButfiloskiJ@dnr.sc.gov
Classification: Furbearer.
Legal status: May be hunted/trapped during the open season.
Monitoring: During 2015–2017, intensive camera trap monitoring was conducted by Clemson University in the northwestern part of the state, confirming the presence of the species in National Forests in that region. There are no ongoing dedicated monitoring efforts.
Date of last sighting: November 2019.
Research: In 2015–2017, Clemson University graduate student Robin Eng conducted camera trap surveys to determine distribution and occupancy patterns of spotted skunk populations in the northwest corner of the state. She also conducted radiotracking of spotted skunks to determine fine-scale patterns in den site selection. Her thesis is published online, and papers regarding these two projects are published in the Journal of Wildlife Management and Journal of Mammalogy. Contact: djachow@clemson.edu.
Contact: Jay Butfiloski, ButfiloskiJ@dnr.sc.gov
South Dakota
Population status: Besides the annual furbearer harvest report, little is known about eastern spotted skunks in South Dakota.
Classification: Furbearer, grouped with striped skunks under state law as "skunks." Also monitored by the South Dakota Natural Heritage Program as a sensitive species and included as a species of greatest conservation need in the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan. These latter two designations do not provide legal protection for this species, but encourage reporting by the public and other wildlife agencies and allow State Wildlife Grant expenditures on this species.
Legal status: May be trapped year-round statewide.
Monitoring: Information is solicited opportunistically through the South Dakota Natural Heritage Program and South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan websites, and the South Dakota State University.
Date of last sighting: 2021; 188 spotted skunk locations from 41 (of 68) counties across South Dakota have been collected.
Research: SD Game, Fish and Parks is conducting a State Wildlife Grant-funded project in coordination with South Dakota State University (Dr. Robert Lonsinger and Ph.D. student Kara White) with the following objectives: 1. Delineate the distribution of plains spotted skunks in South Dakota; 2. Quantify ecological and biological correlates with habitat selection by plains spotted skunks; and 3. Estimate survival rates of plains spotted skunks in South Dakota.
Contact: Eileen Dowd Stukel, eileen.dowdstukel@state.sd.us; Kara White, kara.white@sdstate.edu
Classification: Furbearer, grouped with striped skunks under state law as "skunks." Also monitored by the South Dakota Natural Heritage Program as a sensitive species and included as a species of greatest conservation need in the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan. These latter two designations do not provide legal protection for this species, but encourage reporting by the public and other wildlife agencies and allow State Wildlife Grant expenditures on this species.
Legal status: May be trapped year-round statewide.
Monitoring: Information is solicited opportunistically through the South Dakota Natural Heritage Program and South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan websites, and the South Dakota State University.
Date of last sighting: 2021; 188 spotted skunk locations from 41 (of 68) counties across South Dakota have been collected.
Research: SD Game, Fish and Parks is conducting a State Wildlife Grant-funded project in coordination with South Dakota State University (Dr. Robert Lonsinger and Ph.D. student Kara White) with the following objectives: 1. Delineate the distribution of plains spotted skunks in South Dakota; 2. Quantify ecological and biological correlates with habitat selection by plains spotted skunks; and 3. Estimate survival rates of plains spotted skunks in South Dakota.
Contact: Eileen Dowd Stukel, eileen.dowdstukel@state.sd.us; Kara White, kara.white@sdstate.edu
Tennessee
Population status: Uncommon but widely distributed, primarily in the eastern mountain and plateau regions. Tennessee lists ESS as a Tier 1 species, primary focus of priority (S3, G4).
Classification: Furbearer.
Legal status: Open to seasonal trapping, no limit. The trapping season for the species is the Friday before Thanksgiving through the last day of February.
Monitoring: Reports of sightings by public are requested through social media and a request is published in hunting/trapping guide. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is conducting camera trap surveys to assess the species occurrence across the state.
Date of last sighting: February 10, 2019.
Research: The University of Tennessee and TWRA are studying eastern spotted skunk spatial ecology and natural history in the state. Standard VHF collars are being used to track skunks to den sites and identify night-time movements. For more information contact Dr. Emma Willcox (ewillcox@utk.edu).
Contact: Roger Applegate, State Furbearer, Small Game, and Wildlife Health Program Leader, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, PO Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204, P: (615) 781-6616, Fax (615) 781-6654, Cell (615) 788-6433, Roger.Applegate@tn.gov
Classification: Furbearer.
Legal status: Open to seasonal trapping, no limit. The trapping season for the species is the Friday before Thanksgiving through the last day of February.
Monitoring: Reports of sightings by public are requested through social media and a request is published in hunting/trapping guide. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is conducting camera trap surveys to assess the species occurrence across the state.
Date of last sighting: February 10, 2019.
Research: The University of Tennessee and TWRA are studying eastern spotted skunk spatial ecology and natural history in the state. Standard VHF collars are being used to track skunks to den sites and identify night-time movements. For more information contact Dr. Emma Willcox (ewillcox@utk.edu).
Contact: Roger Applegate, State Furbearer, Small Game, and Wildlife Health Program Leader, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, PO Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204, P: (615) 781-6616, Fax (615) 781-6654, Cell (615) 788-6433, Roger.Applegate@tn.gov
Texas
Population status: Rare animal in need of attention. State Abundance Ranking: S1S3.
Classification: Furbearer.
Legal status: Can be trapped during the regulated seasons.
Monitoring: The Texas Nature Trackers Program and Texas Nongame and Rare Species Program within Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are initiating crowd source efforts to monitor species presence within the state
Date of last sighting: Sighting reports from public are common. Several from this year with the most recent being April 4, 2020.
Research: Angelo State University and Texas Tech University have an ongoing project in the Katy Prairie ecosystem to assess home range dynamics, landscape level habitat selection, and microhabitat usage; skunk response to habitat management; maternal denning and daytime resting location; and cause-specific mortality and survivability. Since February 2019, researchers have captured and collared 25 skunks and recorded ~ 100 records of both collared and uncollared skunks via camera traps. Contact is Dr. Robert Dowler (robert.dowler@angelo.edu). University of Illinois-Champaign has an ongoing project at Fort Hood Military Instillation to assess abundance, occupancy, habitat utilization, detection techniques, and bait preference. The project was initiated in 2019 and conclusion is planned for 2020. Contact is Charles Pekins (charles.e.pekins.civ@mail.mil).
Contact: Dana Karelus, Mammalogist. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 140 City Park Rd., Boerne, Texas 78006, P: (830) 331-8739, Dana.Karelus@tpwd.state.tx.us
Classification: Furbearer.
Legal status: Can be trapped during the regulated seasons.
Monitoring: The Texas Nature Trackers Program and Texas Nongame and Rare Species Program within Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are initiating crowd source efforts to monitor species presence within the state
Date of last sighting: Sighting reports from public are common. Several from this year with the most recent being April 4, 2020.
Research: Angelo State University and Texas Tech University have an ongoing project in the Katy Prairie ecosystem to assess home range dynamics, landscape level habitat selection, and microhabitat usage; skunk response to habitat management; maternal denning and daytime resting location; and cause-specific mortality and survivability. Since February 2019, researchers have captured and collared 25 skunks and recorded ~ 100 records of both collared and uncollared skunks via camera traps. Contact is Dr. Robert Dowler (robert.dowler@angelo.edu). University of Illinois-Champaign has an ongoing project at Fort Hood Military Instillation to assess abundance, occupancy, habitat utilization, detection techniques, and bait preference. The project was initiated in 2019 and conclusion is planned for 2020. Contact is Charles Pekins (charles.e.pekins.civ@mail.mil).
Contact: Dana Karelus, Mammalogist. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 140 City Park Rd., Boerne, Texas 78006, P: (830) 331-8739, Dana.Karelus@tpwd.state.tx.us
Virginia
Population status: Uncommon but widely distributed in the western half of the state, primarily in the western mountain region with a few scattered reports in the central Piedmont.
Classification: Legally classified as furbearer, also listed as Tier IV species of special concern in 2015 Virginia Wildlife Action Plan.
Legal status: Continuous closed season for hunting and trapping, pelts may not be sold (spotted skunks may be killed by landowners when they are causing damage).
Monitoring: Reports of sightings by public (request published in hunting/trapping regulation digest), citizen science project at Virginia Tech.
Date of last sighting: February 23, 2020.
Research: Recently completed Ph.D. project: Distribution, habitat use, and genetic status of spotted skunks in Virginia. Emily Thorne and Dr. Mark Ford, Virginia Tech, principal investigators.
Contact: Michael Fies, P: (540) 248-9390 (office), (540) 569-0824 (cell), mike.fies@dgif.virginia.gov
Classification: Legally classified as furbearer, also listed as Tier IV species of special concern in 2015 Virginia Wildlife Action Plan.
Legal status: Continuous closed season for hunting and trapping, pelts may not be sold (spotted skunks may be killed by landowners when they are causing damage).
Monitoring: Reports of sightings by public (request published in hunting/trapping regulation digest), citizen science project at Virginia Tech.
Date of last sighting: February 23, 2020.
Research: Recently completed Ph.D. project: Distribution, habitat use, and genetic status of spotted skunks in Virginia. Emily Thorne and Dr. Mark Ford, Virginia Tech, principal investigators.
Contact: Michael Fies, P: (540) 248-9390 (office), (540) 569-0824 (cell), mike.fies@dgif.virginia.gov
West Virginia
Population status: Spotted skunks seem to be confined to high elevation areas of the state, but recent efforts to collect observations from the state trappers association and state natural resources professionals has expanded the known range of the species.
Classification: Listed as a furbearer.
Legal status: May be trapped during the legal trapping season or hunted year-round.
Monitoring: ur dealer reports, reported incidental catches, and collected observations remain a consistent form of monitoring in WV. Standardized monitoring protocols will be developed following the completion of current research by WVDNR and Frostburg State University.
Date of last sighting: March 2020.
Research: WVDNR and Frostburg State University are studying eastern spotted skunk spatial ecology and natural history in the eastern panhandle. GPS collars and standard VHF collars are being used to track skunks to den sites and identify movements.
Contact: Mack Frantz, mack.w.frantz@wv.gov
Classification: Listed as a furbearer.
Legal status: May be trapped during the legal trapping season or hunted year-round.
Monitoring: ur dealer reports, reported incidental catches, and collected observations remain a consistent form of monitoring in WV. Standardized monitoring protocols will be developed following the completion of current research by WVDNR and Frostburg State University.
Date of last sighting: March 2020.
Research: WVDNR and Frostburg State University are studying eastern spotted skunk spatial ecology and natural history in the eastern panhandle. GPS collars and standard VHF collars are being used to track skunks to den sites and identify movements.
Contact: Mack Frantz, mack.w.frantz@wv.gov
Wisconsin
Population status: Typically, spotted skunks are found in the southwestern part of Wisconsin. There have been no recent sightings for spotted skunks for years now.
Classification: According to the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan, eastern spotted skunks are listed as an unprotected, wild animal.
Legal status: Listed as a furbearer species and can be trapped during the regulated season.
Monitoring: Wisconsin DNR Research program conducts annual rare mammal observation surveys by all willing department employees in addition to accepting any rare mammal observations from citizens. Wisconsin DNR is preparing awareness pamphlets/posters about spotted skunks and other mammals of concern. These will be distributed to field staff and put out at nature centers to increase awareness and the likelihood of sightings being reported.
Date of last sighting: Unable to find a specific date. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lists the most recent spotted skunk sighting to be several decades ago.
Research: Currently looking for citizens or state employees to report spotted skunks.
Contact: Curtis Twellmann, Curtis.Twellmann@wisconsin.gov
Classification: According to the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan, eastern spotted skunks are listed as an unprotected, wild animal.
Legal status: Listed as a furbearer species and can be trapped during the regulated season.
Monitoring: Wisconsin DNR Research program conducts annual rare mammal observation surveys by all willing department employees in addition to accepting any rare mammal observations from citizens. Wisconsin DNR is preparing awareness pamphlets/posters about spotted skunks and other mammals of concern. These will be distributed to field staff and put out at nature centers to increase awareness and the likelihood of sightings being reported.
Date of last sighting: Unable to find a specific date. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lists the most recent spotted skunk sighting to be several decades ago.
Research: Currently looking for citizens or state employees to report spotted skunks.
Contact: Curtis Twellmann, Curtis.Twellmann@wisconsin.gov
Wyoming
Population status: Vulnerable (population size or distribution is restricted or declining); thought to be rare in the state.
Classification: Classified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Wyoming's State Wildlife Action Plan.
Legal status: Predatory Animal.
Monitoring: Aside from on-going research (see below), the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has solicited reports from the public to refine distribution.
Date of last sighting: The range boundary between eastern and western spotted skunks in Wyoming is unknown, making positive identification of eastern spotted skunks difficult without genetic testing. Spotted skunks have been captured along this potential range boundary as recently as summer 2018; genetic analyses are pending
Research: Research is on-going through the University of Wyoming to 1) delineate the distribution and habitat associations of spotted skunks in Wyoming, 2) determine the genetic differentiation between eastern and western spotted skunks and the distinctness of the plains subspecies of eastern spotted skunks, and 3) determine the likelihood of hybridization of eastern and western spotted skunks and estimate range boundaries of both species in Wyoming.
Contact: Shawn Rossler, shawn.rossler@wisconsin.gov
Classification: Classified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Wyoming's State Wildlife Action Plan.
Legal status: Predatory Animal.
Monitoring: Aside from on-going research (see below), the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has solicited reports from the public to refine distribution.
Date of last sighting: The range boundary between eastern and western spotted skunks in Wyoming is unknown, making positive identification of eastern spotted skunks difficult without genetic testing. Spotted skunks have been captured along this potential range boundary as recently as summer 2018; genetic analyses are pending
Research: Research is on-going through the University of Wyoming to 1) delineate the distribution and habitat associations of spotted skunks in Wyoming, 2) determine the genetic differentiation between eastern and western spotted skunks and the distinctness of the plains subspecies of eastern spotted skunks, and 3) determine the likelihood of hybridization of eastern and western spotted skunks and estimate range boundaries of both species in Wyoming.
Contact: Shawn Rossler, shawn.rossler@wisconsin.gov
