Rest-Site Activity Patterns of Eastern Spotted Skunks in Alabama

Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk) is a nocturnal small carnivore that uses sites within cover for resting, raising of young, and protection from predators and inclement weather. We examined activity patterns of male radio-collared Eastern Spotted Skunks in Alabama by placing game cameras at resting-site entrances during winter and spring. Monitored skunks were strictly nocturnal and were never active before sunset or after sunrise. Ambient temperature and moon illumination influenced skunk activity, with greater aboveground activity occurring at greater ambient temperatures and lower moon illumination. Lower ambient temperatures may decrease skunk activity due to greater thermoregulatory costs and less prey availability. Skunks may reduce aboveground activity during times of greater moon illumination due to increased vulnerability to predation.