Experts get creative to track mysterious spotted skunks

The Eastern spotted skunk is shy, seldom seen and not exactly cuddly.

When threatened, the elusive critter stomps its front feet then does a handstand on its front legs, aims and lets fly a pungent lingering spray to dissuade would-be predators.

Scientists know relatively little else about the diminutive squirrel-size animal distinguished by a swirling broken pattern of white stripes resembling spots on its slender weasel-like body.

It’s unknown how many Eastern spotted skunks live in Florida. Also unknown is whether the animals are found statewide or only in isolated scattered populations.

Wildlife researchers are concerned the species might be declining in Florida just as the population has dwindled in other states.

Wielding about $200 of canned sardines to entice the nocturnal animals into the range of digital trail cameras, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center conservation managers are working to unravel the mystery of the skunks.

The sardines are an integral component of a research project to document Eastern spotted skunks that might be living in the diverse natural habitat of sand hills, flatwood pine forest and drainage swamp composing the northern portion of the 80,000-acre military installation in southern Clay County.

“That’s where the best habitat for that species is found, and if they are going to be anywhere, that’s where they will be found,” said Matthew Corby, Camp Blanding conservation manager.

In partnership with the FWC, the project is an effort to determine whether the species is genuinely scarce, or just that sightings are rare, said Paul Catlett, Camp Blanding’s installation and environmental program manager.

Spotted skunks typically eat insects such as grasshoppers or beetles, but also will chow down on mice, birds, eggs and snakes. But they are pretty opportunistic eaters, Corby said.

Smaller than its more common striped cousin, Eastern spotted skunks are agile climbers — the only skunk able to climb trees. Corby said they used that knowledge in their baiting strategy of sardines and canned herring.

He said they crack open full cans of sardines then screw them into the side of trees — roughly 5 feet off the ground. The aroma, they hope, will send the skunk scrambling up the tree to get a free meal in full view of the camera.