NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA 06 



spotted skunks have been taken or observed in Maryland are similar. 

 They are at or near the summits of mountains at altitudes above 1,600 

 feet. They are characterized by rocky outcrops which run parallel to 

 the smnmits and which may be several hundred feet in length. The 

 vegetation consists of second-growth oaks {Quercus spp.) and hickor- 

 ies {Gary a spp.), with black locust {Rohinia psevdocacia) ^ Virginia 

 pine {Pinus virginiana)^ and dense tangles of wild grape (Vitis spp.) 

 occasionally present (Bookhout, 1964, p. 214) . 



Little is known of the breeding habits of the spotted skunk. Van 

 Gelder (1959, p. 260-270) says that there is evidence that tliis sub- 

 species has an extended breeding period, or that two litters a year 

 might be produced since there are records of females nursing in both 

 the spring and fall. There are between two and six young, with the 

 usual number being four or five. 



According to Hamilton (1943, p. 159) the food of this species during 

 the winter months consists largely of rabbits, mice, and other small 

 mammals; during the summer and fall it fattens on fruits, insects, 

 and birds. Lizards, small snakes, and offal are not disdained, and 

 the spotted skunk will steal eggs and kill chicks. It is fond of persim- 

 mons and various other fruits in season. 



This skunk possesses a means of defense consisting of a characteristic 

 evil-smelling fluid which is secreted by two anal glands. This fluid, or 

 musk as it is sometimes called, can be ejected accurately up to several 

 feet in the direction of attackers. It is more overpowering, blinding, 

 and burning than that of Mephitis, land there are few animals that are 

 not repulsed by it. 



Specimens examined. — Allegany County: Piney Mountain, 14 J^il^ 

 N of U.S. Route 40, at Clarysville, 1 (specimen taken 10 February 

 1964). Garrett County: Locklynn Heights, 1 (specimen taken in mid- 

 January 1963). 



Other records and reports. — ^Latham and Studholme (1947, p. 409) 

 report a specimen from 4 miles west of Hancock, Washington County. 

 James H. Beal, of Frostburg, tells me (in correspondence) that he col- 

 lected a specimen on Town Hill (Mountain), Allegany County, near 

 the beacon light in August 1962, and another near the same locality in 

 1959. The following records are from Bookhout (1964, p. 214) : Green 

 Ridge Mountain (elevation 1,400 ft.), Allegany County (one animal 

 seen in December 1957) ; and Dan's Mountain (elevation 1,600 ft.), 

 Allegany County (four specimens trapped since 1960) . 



Remarhs. — The spotted skunk is essentially a southern species and 

 has apparently extended its range into Maryland and Pemisylvania 

 only within recent years. The first record of a spotted skunk in Penn- 

 sylvania was as recent as 40 years ago (Latham and Studholme, 1947, 



