Introduction:
The Western Spotted Skunk is one of two species of Skunk found in British Columbia. The two species are significantly different in appearance. The Spotted Skunk is half the size and more slender than the more familiar Striped Skunk, and it is more weasel-like in appearance (Wikipedia 2011). It is black with six horizontal stripes along its back (only two on the Striped Skunk), has vertical stripes or spots on the rear half of its body, and has a noticeable bushy white tip on its tail (Hatler et al. 2008).
Western Spotted Skunks are generally found in lowland areas but are also reported from higher elevations (Carey and Kershner 1996).
Distribution
Global Distribution: "The Western Spotted Skunk is found west of the Continental Divide from southern British Columbia to central Mexico, and in parts of Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and western Texas." (Carey and Kershner 1996).
Distribution in British Columbia: In British Columbia, this species occurs only in the southwest mainland. Confirmed records include the Fraser Valley (east to Cultus Lake), Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby and Pitt Meadows (near Maple Ridge) (Hatler et al. 2008). In 1902, it was reported as abundant around Chilliwack, occuring up to elevations of 1300 m (Hatler et al. 2008).
Based on news reports, in 2013 a mature male Spotted Skunk was rescued from a trap in West Vancouver and, also in 2013, a Spotted Skunk was brought into the Wildlife Rescue Association in Burnaby.
Taxonomy
The Eastern and Western Spotted Skunk were once considered a single species, but are now considered distinct species: Spirogale putorius and Spirogale gracilis Hatler 2008. As of 2021, seven species of western spotted skunks are now recognized (McDonough et al. 2021).
Comments
Hatler et al. (2008) indicate that human settlement and forest removal have led to declines in Spotted Skunks in the region: "Jack Lay, an animal control officer in the Lower Mainland, indicated that when he first started work in [New Westminster] in the early 40's, Spotted Skunks were common. As people removed local forests for agricultural, residential and industrial development, the larger Striped Skunks, which do well in urban and agricultural settings, gradually replaced the Spotted Skunks."
