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Wildlife of Tennessee · Raccoons, Skunks and Opossums

Eastern Spotted Skunk in Tennessee

Small and secretive, and it can spray from a handstand. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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An eastern spotted skunk with broken white stripes on a stone wall near a barn at twilight in Tennessee.

At a Glance

About the Eastern Spotted Skunk

Raccoons, opossums and skunks den under decks, in crawl spaces and in attics. They raid trash and pet food and leave droppings, odors and damage behind.

We Remove It

Risk: Small and secretive, and it can spray from a handstand.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameSpilogale putorius
Size13 to 22 inches
Where it shows upBarns, sheds, crawl spaces and rocky woodland edges
When it is activeNight, and it is a good climber

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a eastern spotted skunk.

  • Quick agile movement and handstand warning display
  • Musky odor under sheds and barns
  • Dens in crawl spaces and old buildings

How We Handle It

What We Do About the Eastern Spotted Skunk

We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work.

Prevention

Keep Them Away

Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.

  • Use trash bins with locking lids
  • Feed pets indoors or remove bowls at night
  • Skirt decks and porches with buried mesh
  • Cap the chimney and screen vents

Similar Animals

More Raccoons, Skunks and Opossums

Free Tool

What Animal Is It? Identifier

Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.

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Good to Know

Questions About Eastern Spotted Skunk

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a spotted skunk?

Common signs: quick agile movement and handstand warning display; musky odor under sheds and barns; dens in crawl spaces and old buildings.

Is a eastern spotted skunk dangerous?

Small and secretive, and it can spray from a handstand. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a eastern spotted skunk?

We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Free Estimate

Tell Us What Is Going On

Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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