Tag: skunks

cool-critters:

Eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius)

The eastern spotted skunk is a small, relatively slender skunk found throughout the eastern United States and in small areas of Canada and Mexico. Males, at 46.3–68.8 cm in total length, are large than females, at 35–54.4 cm. They are much more active than any other type of skunk. Eastern spotted skunks seem to prefer forest edges and upland prairie
grasslands, especially where rock outcrops and shrub clumps are present.
In western counties, it relies heavily on riparian corridors where
woody shrubs and woodland edges are present. Woody fencerows, odd areas,
and abandoned farm buildings are also important habitat for Eastern
Spotted Skunks.Eastern spotted skunks are quite secretive and crafty creatures, and it
is a rarity for humans to see them. They are also nocturnal and tend to
be more active during dry cool nights rather than warm wet nights.
Although these skunks do not hibernate, they do tend to greatly reduce
their activity when enduring intensely warm summers or very cold winters. In addition to performing a handstand before spraying a potential
predator, the skunk also performs foot stamping, which involves the
skunk stamping its feet on the ground in order to warn an approaching
predator. The stamping can be heard for several meters away and is
usually followed by the skunk spraying its odorous solution.

photo credits: wiki