Striped Skunk vs. Eastern Spotted Skunk

Mississippi is home to two skunk species: the common striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the less common eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius). Wondering which one crossed your path? There are some easy ways to tell!

• Appearance. The common striped skunk is large, cat-sized, and, of course, striped. The spotted skunk is smaller and closer in size to a squirrel. They are also—as their name suggests—spotted! They often have a white tail tip as well.
• Personality. These skunks also have different personalities. The striped skunk is docile and slow-moving. They rely on their spray as a primary defense because they aren’t particularly fast. The spotted skunk, on the other hand, is more dramatic and acrobatic. Unlike the striped skunk, it often performs a front-paw handstand to look larger before spraying.
• Habitat. They also have some habitat differences. While the striped skunk is adaptable and can be found in many places, the spotted skunk is much more choosy. They prefer thick cover, forest edges, and rocky outcrops. They are much more agile and can actually climb trees.

While both skunks are found in Mississippi, the spotted skunk is considered a species of conservation need. If you “spot” one, be sure to report the sighting to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to help with population tracking.

For more information about the striped skunk, read our previous blog post. 

To report a spotted skunk sighting, visit the Eastern Spotted Skunk Cooperative Study Group website.