OutdoorNebraska

he smallest of all North American skunks, the Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) has a deep colored black body and bushy tail with white to yellowish-white irregular stripes that resemble spots. These skunks are excellent climbers and are faster and more agile than their cousins, the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Spotted skunks are nocturnal creatures, so they are seldom seen during daylight. They are considered omnivores, and while they feed primarily on insects, small mammals and carrion, they will eat corn and wild fruits. Spotted skunks were once found throughout much of Nebraska. It is theorized that the small farms of the early 20th century provided shelter for the spotted skunk. Small farms may have increased the food supply of skunks, as mice and rats were attracted to the crops stored on farms. Humans may also have enhanced populations of eastern spotted skunks by reducing predator populations. Today, spotted skunks are rarely seen. Nebraska trapping records indicate that since the peak harvest of 35,260 spotted skunks in 1944, populations have decreased significantly. The last recorded harvest of eastern spotted skunks was in 1982, in which 33 individuals were reported. Few records of this once common species have been documented over the last few decades, with the last known Nebraska sighting in 2013. There is continuing speculation as to the underlying cause of the spotted skunk decline across the Midwest. Changes in agricultural practices in the late 1940s may have reduced habitat, and pesticides may have reduced an important food source. In Nebraska, the eastern spotted skunk is ranked as a Tier 2 Species of Greatest Conservation Need, which means it is considered to be critically imperiled within the state. The USFWS is currently reviewing the eastern spotted skunk for possible listing on the Threatened and Endangered Species list. To address the needs of this native species, and an important element of the environment, it is imperative to begin with an accurate accounting of the spotted skunk's abundance and distribution in Nebraska. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) is working to learn more about where spotted skunks persist and we are asking for the public's help. NGPC needs accurate accounts of their location, activities, and numbers. If you see a spotted skunk, please report your observation. Visit the Nebraska Game and Parks website to learn more, download sighting forms and learn how to join the iNaturalist citizen science team. ✔ By Adam Jones, Watchable Wildlife Biologist, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Eastern Spotted Skunk t ll i h hit h sk (Sp colored bl T 7 Rarely seen, the Spotted Skunk is an excellent climber and can even be found in trees. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

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