Eastern Spotted Skunk vs. Striped Skunk

Attribute	Eastern Spotted Skunk	Striped Skunk
Scientific Name	Spilogale putorius	Mephitis mephitis
Size	Smaller	Larger
Coloration	Black with white spots	Black with white stripes
Habitat	Woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands	Various habitats including forests, fields, and urban areas
Range	Eastern United States	North America

Physical Appearance

Eastern Spotted Skunks are smaller in size compared to Striped Skunks, with a length ranging from 14 to 20 inches and a weight of 1 to 3 pounds. They have a distinct pattern of white spots and stripes on their black fur, giving them their name. On the other hand, Striped Skunks are larger, measuring 20 to 30 inches in length and weighing between 4 to 10 pounds. They have a black body with a white stripe running down their back, which is their most recognizable feature.

Habitat

Eastern Spotted Skunks are primarily found in the eastern United States, inhabiting a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and farmlands. They are known to be more elusive and prefer to live in dens underground or in hollow logs. Striped Skunks, on the other hand, have a wider range and can be found throughout North America. They are adaptable to different environments such as forests, meadows, and urban areas, often making their dens in burrows or under buildings.

Behavior

Eastern Spotted Skunks are known for their acrobatic abilities, performing handstands and cartwheels as a defense mechanism when threatened. They are more agile and quick on their feet compared to Striped Skunks. Striped Skunks, on the other hand, are known for their defensive spray, releasing a strong-smelling musk from their anal glands when feeling threatened. They are more likely to spray as a warning before resorting to physical defense.

Diet

Both Eastern Spotted Skunks and Striped Skunks are omnivores, feeding on a variety of insects, small mammals, fruits, and plants. However, Eastern Spotted Skunks have been observed to have a preference for insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. Striped Skunks, on the other hand, have a more varied diet that includes rodents, birds, eggs, and even garbage found in urban areas.

Reproduction

Eastern Spotted Skunks have a shorter breeding season compared to Striped Skunks, typically mating in late winter to early spring. They have a gestation period of around 60 days, giving birth to a litter of 2 to 6 kits. Striped Skunks, on the other hand, have a longer breeding season that can last from February to March. They have a gestation period of around 60 to 75 days, giving birth to a larger litter of 4 to 10 kits.

Conservation Status

Eastern Spotted Skunks are listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List, with stable populations in their range. However, they are still threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to urban development and agriculture. Striped Skunks, on the other hand, are also listed as a species of least concern, with populations thriving in various habitats. They are adaptable to human presence and can be found in urban areas, which has helped their population remain stable.