Examination of Plains Spotted Skunk (Spilogale interrupta) Burrow Systems

Daniel J. Benson^1,2,*, J. Clint Perkins¹, Kamren P. Jefferson³, Robert C. Dowler³, Christine C. Rega-Brodsky², and Richard D. Stevens^1,4

¹Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409. ²School of Science and Mathematics, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS 66762. ³Department of Biology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX 76909. ⁴Natural Science Research Laboratory of the Museum of Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409. *Corresponding author.

Southeastern Naturalist, Volume 22, Issue 3 (2023): 352–363

Abstract
Spilogale interrupta (Plains Spotted Skunk) and other species within the Spilogale genus have often been documented as using burrows for cover; however, schematics of a Plains Spotted Skunk burrow have only been documented once in the literature. While recovering 2 GPS radio transmitters in the Katy Prairie region of Southeast Texas, we excavated 2 active Plains Spotted Skunk burrows. Herein, we describe the schematics of 1 system that likely was excavated initially by a Geomys breviceps (Baird’s Pocket Gopher) and the general schematics of a second burrow system frequently used by a different radio-collared individual. Both systems contained an obstructed entrance and a detritus-filled central cavity and were in locations higher in elevation than the surrounding matrix. Our observations further confirm the 3 requirements for Plains Spotted Skunk diurnal rest-location usage—protection from predation, thermoregulatory benefits, and protection from inclement weather—while providing additional insight into the intricacies of the burrow system itself. Further research into the structure of Spilogale burrows is needed to improve future conservation and management efforts of the genus.

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