Spotted Skunk
Spilogale gracilis

Body length: 9 - 13 1/2"; weight 1–1 1/2 lbs.
Diet: Rodents, birds, eggs, insects, and carrion

Spotted skunks are small, no larger than squirrels, and can easily be distinguished from other skunks by their more varied pattern of spots and stripes. Curious and playful, spotted skunks are known for their bold behavior, including pulling on the hair of people who are sleeping out-of-doors. When excited or alarmed, they stand up on their front legs repeatedly, holding a pose for up to five seconds.

Spotted skunks are only rarely seen at Tonto National Monument. They may make only brief visits to the Monument while wandering through to other areas, or they may live here in very small numbers. Like other skunk species, they are habitat generalists, but are almost strictly nocturnal.

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