River Crossings by Two Male Eastern Spotted Skunks in West Virginia

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2021-08-13
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Hassler, Kendyl N.
Waggy, Charles D.
Oxenrider, Kevin J.
Rogers, Rich E.
Pearce, Kelly J.
Serfass, Thomas L.
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item.page.distribution
Abstract
Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk) populations have declined throughout their range and may now be extirpated from the northeast in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Populations have persisted south of the Potomac River along shared mountain ranges in Virginia and West Virginia. Little is known about the dispersal capabilities of the species, including if large riverine systems inhibit their dispersal. During a radio-telemetry study of 8 Eastern Spotted Skunks in West Virginia, 2 males crossed the South Branch of the Potomac River (SBPR) on 9 occasions. Crossings may have been motivated by breeding movements, as 7 occurred during the breeding season. Stretches of the Potomac River similar in size to the SBPR might not inhibit the natural recolonization of the northeastern range.
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Environmental Science / Studies
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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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Kendyl N. Hassler, Charles D. Waggy, Kevin J. Oxenrider, Rich E. Rogers, Kelly J. Pearce, Thomas L. Serfass "River Crossings by Two Male Eastern Spotted Skunks in West Virginia," Southeastern Naturalist, 20(sp11), 199-208, (13 August 2021)
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Eagle Hill Publishing
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