Wildlife Wednesday -- Western Spotted Skunk

By Andy Ames

A big thanks to Robert Yone for sharing his Western Spotted Skunk photos last week. (As well as his previous photos and video from last fall). Both Western Spotted skunks and the more common Striped Skunks are rare sightings since they are highly nocturnal creatures. Both species are carnivores preying on insects, worms, grubs, small mammals such as voles, mice, and ground squirrels, reptiles and amphibians, as well as birds and bird eggs. Both will eat vegetable matter such as fruits and berries as well. Aside from their markings, there are several differences between the two species. Striped skunks are widespread and can be found in all the lower 48 states as well as Canada and Mexico. Western Spotted skunks are limited to the western states and in Colorado mostly along the Front Range and western Colorado at elevations below 8000’. Side by side, the most noticeable difference is in their respective sizes. Striped skunks are quite large at 6-12 lbs. Western Spotted skunks are very small, ranging only from 1-1 1/2 pounds! Behaviorally, there are two main differences. When threatened, the Striped skunk will raise its tail and possibly stomp its feet as a warning before spraying its foe. The Western Spotted skunk, on the other hand, will perform a handstand, possibly due to its smaller stature, to make itself look larger and threatening. Indeed, it has the same odoriferous defense mechanism. The final difference comes in the timing of their breeding season. Striped skunks breed in late February to March and give birth in May to early June. Western Spotted’s, meanwhile, mate in the fall. Implantation is delayed until spring, with births occurring in that same May-June time frame.

So, thanks once again to Robert for giving a glimpse of these amazing animals.

We have only captured a skunk on our trail cameras twice at our house, once a Spotted and once a Striped. Note how small this Spotted skunk is. The step is only about 6” tall. Both Striped and Spotted are ready to breed by their first fall so this individual was full grown.

The Striped skunk for size comparison.

A rare day time sighting of a Striped skunk. Skunks are generally not very active during the winter and spend most of their time resting in a burrow.