Left: Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius); Center: Eastern Spotted Skunk in scent spraying stance; photos by FWC; Right: Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis); photo by Smithsonian Zoo
Two species of skunk occur through most of Florida, the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) (excluding the Florida Keys), and the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius). Striped skunks typically inhabit areas with a mixture of dense vegetation and open areas while eastern spotted skunks prefer areas with dense scrub cover.
The striped skunk has a thin, white stripe between the eyes, two white stripes running down the back into the long, black tail with little or no white fur. The eastern spotted skunk is mainly black with a series of broken-up white stripes from behind the eyes down the side of the body and a white, upside-down triangle on the forehead. It is smaller than the striped skunk.
True omnivores, the striped skunk devours a wide variety of things like insects, small mammals, birds and their eggs, reptiles, crustaceans, leaves, nuts and carrion. The Eastern spotted skunk is highly carnivorous, feeding mainly on small mammals but will eat insects, corn, grapes, and mulberries. Common predators of skunks include foxes, bobcats, coyotes, and birds of prey. Skunks use two scent glands to emit their pungent spray as a defense mechanism, which can deter predators up to 15 feet away. The striped skunk will turn around and raise their tail and spray if threatened. The eastern spotted skunk will climb a tree or stand on their front feet in a handstand and spray.
The eastern spotted skunk is not listed as threatened or endangered in Florida. However, it is considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Florida, meaning their populations are at risk or declining. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is actively involved in protecting the eastern striped skunk through habitat management, population monitoring and public education. FWC should be contacted if a deceased spotted skunk is seen by emailing skunks@myfwc.com with the date and location.
Skunk sightings are rare because they are mainly nocturnal and prefer to avoid humans. There have been sightings of the eastern spotted skunk in North Peninsula State Park. You might just get lucky and see a spotted skunk on one of your hikes!

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