Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk) is a cryptic and little-studied species that has declined in abundance. We report observations of reproduction, mortality, and behavioral interactions for the Appalachian subspecies of the Eastern Spotted Skunk in Alabama. We observed 1 adult skunk with 2 assumed offspring in July, mortality events of 4 radio-collared skunks likely caused by both avian and mammalian predators, and 2 interactions of a skunk with other species: 1 with a Procyon lotor (Raccoon) and 1 with a Lynx rufus (Bobcat). We also describe an interaction between 2 skunks that included a vocalization. Combined, these observations provide insight into the reproduction, mortality, and behavior of this species of conservation concern.
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13 August 2021
Observations of Eastern Spotted Skunk Reproduction, Mortality, and Behavioral Interactions in Alabama
Kassandra J. Arts,
Tyler R. Sprayberry,
William C. Cornelison,
Andrew J. Edelman
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Southeastern Naturalist
Vol. 20 • No. sp11
August 2021
Vol. 20 • No. sp11
August 2021