They are nocturnal, coming out at dusk to look for food. For this new work, researchers are using trail cameras, live traps and radio collars to document the extent of the population and abundance of spotted skunks. They are also found in some locations of Mexico. Spotted skunks are the most agile, able to climb squirrel-like both up and down trees. The eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) is a small, relatively slender skunk found in North America, throughout the eastern United States and in small areas of Canada and Mexico.. This small skunk is more weasel-like in body shape than the more familiar striped skunk.The eastern spotted skunk has four stripes on its back which are broken in pattern, giving it a "spotted" appearance. Skunks are about the size of house cats, and have distinctive black and white fur patterns. Range. Spotted Skunk Behavior. When skunks aren’t breeding, they are very solitary animals. The spotted skunk will even do “hand stands.” Skunks have a waddling gait because they walk flat-footed on their hind feet. Instead, their black fur displays swirls of white stripes. Facts about Skunks: What You Need to Know. For striped skunks it’s around February, where spotted skunks are closer to April.
Ten species of skunks have been identified, all of which live in North and Central America. Spotted skunks mate in late winter, and the young are born from April to July; possibly a second litter is produced in late summer. The spotted and hog-nosed skunks are domiciled further south, particularly in Canada, Central America and North America. Like we mentioned before, skunks actually do live longer in captivity than in the wild, being able to live up to 8 years (easily surpassing the 3 years mark). Despite their name, spotted skunks are not actually speckled. For one, the striped skunk is larger (1.2-5.5 kg, or about 2.5-12 pounds vs. 325-650 g, or 0.75-1.5 pounds). These periods last for about 60 days. This species is one of our most widespread and common mammals, occurring throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. Their ability to climb trees and move agilely amongst branches in a squirrel-like fashion is most likely the cause of this habitat preference. Farmers have always loved skunks since they are natural predators to many rodents and other pests. There are many facts about skunks and almost as many myths. Striped skunks spend most of their time on the ground and are less agile than spotted skunks. They are also found in some locations of Mexico. They won’t do so though when they have young to care for. Skunks are about the size of house cats, and have distinctive black and white fur patterns. Spotted skunks breed later in the year, with some even waiting until the autumn. The Eastern spotted skunk and striped skunk live throughout Florida except for the Keys.