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Den-Site Selection by Eastern Spotted Skunks in the Central Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia

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Author(s)
Hassler, Kendyl N.
Waggy, Charles D.
Spinola, R. Manuel
Oxenrider, Kevin J.
Rogers, Rich E.
Pearce, Kelly J.
Serfass, Thomas L.
Date Issued
August 13, 2021
Abstract
We assessed den-site selection of Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk) in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia by radio-tracking 8 individuals to 83 dens from January 2018 to October 2019. We measured local habitat characteristics at den sites and nearby, presumed unused paired sites and compared the habitat predictors via binary logistic regression. Results from the averaged model indicated greater understory cover from stems of Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel) and Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry) and Gaylussacia spp. (Huckleberry), as well as medium to large rocks, and coarse woody debris increased the odds of a den site being used. Medium to large rocks were the most influential predictor of a den site. Our results suggest Eastern Spotted Skunks in this region would likely benefit from management practices that increase density of understory cover and coarse woody debris and preserve rocky outcroppings.
Journal
Southeastern Naturalist
Department
Environmental Science / Studies
Citation
Kendyl N. Hassler, Charles D. Waggy, R. Manuel Spínola, Kevin J. Oxenrider, Rich E. Rogers, Kelly J. Pearce, Thomas L. Serfass "Den-Site Selection by Eastern Spotted Skunks in the Central Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia," Southeastern Naturalist, 20(sp11), 209-224, (13 August 2021)
Publisher
Eagle Hill Publishing
Version of Article
Published article
DOI
10.1656/058.020.0sp1118
ISSN
1528-7092
1938-5412
Rights
The publisher, Eagle Hill Institute reserves the copyright to all its publications. Any reproduction, other than for an individual's own personal and private use, or distribution of journal content is prohibited without written permission from Eagle Hill Institute.
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