Status and Distribution of the Eastern Spotted Skunk in Maryland: A Historic Review and Recent Assessment

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Author(s)
Pearce, Kelly J.
Serfass, Thomas L.
McCann, James M.
Feller, David J.
Date Issued
August 13, 2021
Abstract
There have been no confirmed detections of Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk) since 1967 in Maryland. We summarized historical records, as well as recent studies from other available mammal projects completed in Maryland. We conducted camera-trap surveys between 2015 and 2018 at 33 sites in western Maryland. We sought information from outdoor recreationists, mail-surveys sent to licensed wildlife damage control operators (n = 56), and an online questionnaire of natural resources professionals (n = 149). We compiled 13 historic records, including 7 catalogued specimens. No Eastern Spotted Skunks were detected with our camera traps. Our call for public information did not result in any confirmed sightings, and there were no personal observations or secondary evidence reported by responding wildlife damage control operators (n = 10) or natural resource professionals (n = 49). It appears the Eastern Spotted Skunk may no longer be a permanent resident in Maryland. However, the state still retains potential habitat and is in close proximity to known populations in West Virginia, from which Eastern Spotted Skunks could potentially disperse to Maryland in the future.
Journal
Southeastern Naturalist
Department
Environmental Science / Studies
Citation
Kelly J. Pearce, Thomas L. Serfass, James M. McCann, Daniel J. Feller "Status and Distribution of the Eastern Spotted Skunk in Maryland: A Historic Review and Recent Assessment," Southeastern Naturalist, 20(sp11), 52-63, (13 August 2021)
Publisher
Eagle Hill Institute
Version of Article
Published article
DOI
10.1656/058.020.0sp1106
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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