Animal identifier ยท Other mammals
Spilogale putorius
Much less common than the striped skunk. Wooded and brushy country in the central and southeastern states. Small five-toed tracks, finer than striped skunk.
What does a eastern spotted skunk look like?
Small, black, with broken white stripes and spots. More weasel-shaped than a striped skunk.
What do eastern spotted skunk tracks look like?
A reduced skunk print. Size and a trail that climbs are the clues. The coat, if seen, is spots rather than two long stripes.
- Small five-toed tracks, finer than striped skunk
- Front claws long but the whole print is smaller, about 1 inch
- Climbs, so a trail may end at a tree or a fence
- Broken white spots and stripes if seen
- Handstand display before spraying
What does eastern spotted skunk poop look like?
Small insect-filled droppings. Do not handle droppings. Several species carry parasites that stay in the soil around a latrine.
Where you find it
Much less common than the striped skunk. Wooded and brushy country in the central and southeastern states. Typical places: woods, field. Year-round where the species lives. Tracks show best in mud, sand, and snow.
What to do next
- Watch from a distance
- Do not handle droppings
- If the animal is injured or inside a building, call a local wildlife officer
This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If an animal is injured, aggressive, or inside a house, call a local wildlife officer.
Animals it is confused with
- Striped skunk identification
- All animal identification pages
- Identify an animal from a photo, track, or description
How do you tell a spotted skunk from a striped skunk?
Spotted skunks are smaller, with broken spots rather than two solid stripes. The track is a finer version of a skunk print.
How to tell a eastern spotted skunk from similar animals
Use the track, the dropping, and the place together. One print is not enough.
- Striped skunk. Front claws are the clue. Black with a white stripe that splits into two.
Eastern spotted skunk field marks
- Small five-toed tracks, finer than striped skunk
- Front claws long but the whole print is smaller, about 1 inch
- Climbs, so a trail may end at a tree or a fence
- Broken white spots and stripes if seen
Where the sign shows up
Much less common than the striped skunk. Wooded and brushy country in the central and southeastern states. Typical places: woods, field. Year-round where the species lives. Tracks show best in mud, sand, and snow.
A reduced skunk print. Size and a trail that climbs are the clues. The coat, if seen, is spots rather than two long stripes. Small insect-filled droppings.
Common questions
How do you tell a spotted skunk from a striped skunk?
Spotted skunks are smaller, with broken spots rather than two solid stripes. The track is a finer version of a skunk print.