Western Spotted Skunk

spottedskunk: COMMON NAME: Western Spotted Skunk

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Spilogale gracilis

DESCRIPTION:

Differing from its striped relative, the western spotted skunk will perform a hand stand and spray when provoked. Also smaller than the striped skunk, they are only 13-25” in length including their tail. They weigh 1-2.5 lbs. The spotted skunk’s spot coloration make vary, but all have a white spot on their forehead, spot by each ear and a white tip to their tale. The western variety will have more white surface area than the eastern spotted skunk.

LIFE HISTORY:

Mating season begins in late winter and 4-7 young are born in May or June. The young will nurse for 50 days.

ECOLOGY:

These nocturnal mammals usually make their home in wooded areas near water throughout most of California. They will burrow under logs, rock, or buildings

As omnivores, they will forage for small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, carrion and some vegetable matter.

animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu, the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
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