NGPC Eastern Spotted Skunk

The smallest of all North American skunks, the Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) have a deep black body and bushy tail with white to yellowish-white irregular stripes that are so broken that they resemble spots. These skunks are excellent climbers and are faster and more agile than their cousins, the striped skunk. These nocturnal creatures are seldom seen during daylight. Though considered mainly carnivores, the striped skunk will eat corn and wild fruits, but feed primarily on carrion.

In Nebraska, the eastern spotted skunk is a tier 2 species, considered to be critically imperiled within the state with the last verified sighting in 2016. Nebraska asks that any observation of the spotted skunk be reported to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. As a native species to the state, and an important element of the environment it is imperative to have an accurate accounting of the spotted skunk’s abundance and population levels throughout its range. As a species of great concern, the NGPC is developing a management plan to increase the population levels of this incredible creature and need your help in obtaining accurate accounts of their location, activities, and numbers. less ↑