One of my favorites, probably because they are rare in my neck of the woods and we don't seem to know much about them, is the western spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis). Based on trapper reports, only a handful are taken in Idaho annually. They seem to be scattered throughout the state in very small numbers. The only difference between the western and eastern spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius) is that westerns have delayed implantation of the embryos and easterns don't, so this makes interbreeding virtually impossible.


When alarmed, western spotted skunks commonly do a "handstand" and many squirt essence over their heads.



They certainly are cute little guys, weighing only about a pound.



Brain worms are common. In a sample I got from western Washington, 95% of the skulls showed skull bone erosion due to brain worms.

Great Thread!!!

Wow, I didn't realize they were so small. Neat little guys.

That whole brain worm thing makes me want to mess with them a lot! NOT!!!!!

So you have one for a pet????

I don't think I've seen one here in Idaho, but I know they have a few. Only ever seen one or two in Western Washington as a kid, but man were there lots of them in the coast range of Western Oregon. Had a pup get into one on the Oregon side of Hells Canyon once also. To my nose they smell identical to a striped skunk, for those of you who are wondering.

No. Not currently. I had one for a short time back in 1973 or so. Really fascinating!

Jack

bearcat2 -

I've spent hundreds of nights (with dogs) in Hells Canyon on the Idaho side and even lived for almost a year in Oxbow Village (mouth of Pine Creek) on the Oregon side. Never ran into them down there, although it sure seems to be the right habitat). I'm envious!

Jack

I caught a spotted skunk in AZ in the early 1980's. It was in an area full of big rock. Rocks the size of a car hood on up. I caught three types of skunks there. Spotted, stripped and hog nose.

I caught one in Central Washington 2 years ago in a cat cage. I’ve only heard of one other being caught in this area and that was in the days of footholds. Super cool little animal.

I usually catch a bunch whenever I target cats. The essence has a particular draw for cats and is highly desirable to dedicated cat trappers. Over time the scent degrades leaving a very sweet smelling musk. Apparently critters can detect this through the “skunk” stink.

Such cute wee things. Id love to see one in person someday. Neat subject, Jack. Thank you.

We aren't allowed to trap them here in VA. Not sure how to get one out of a trap alive.20 foot pole maybe .

I have caught one this year while grey fox trapping. I’m sure I will catch many more. Sometimes a #3 will work like a conibear on them.

I had a trail cam set up for short videos a few years ago on a beaver carcass. On first clip I see a smaller bobcat running away from the carcass. The second clip is a larger bobcat walking away at a faster than normal rate but still with some dignity. Third clip a little spotted pogo stick hopping up and down enters from the right bouncing towards the departing bobcats. Got another clip a year or two later; same story with a civet running a bobcat off a carcass.

This one was a large male just over 2 lbs:



A nice little run of civets that I ended up putting up fur side out:

That is interesting to hear about the brain worms. I had no idea. They do seem to be getting little more scarce in my area the last 5-6 years. Used to be if I put out 30 beaver carcasses about 50-60% would get civets working them. It's down to probably 10-15% now.

They make a great mount

Very nice work. Lotsa white on that one.

That is some beautiful work Wayne! And you had a spectacular spotted skunk to work with.

Cool looking little buggers.