Uncommon Skunk Spotted in Tennessee

Eastern Spotted Skunk

A sighting of an uncommon species of skunk in Bledsoe County has the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency asking everyone to be on the lookout.
The Eastern Spotted Skunk is slightly smaller and less common. They are found in the eastern and middle parts of the state.
Description: A medium-sized, stout-bodied mammal with a small head, short legs, and a prominent, bushy tail. The long, glossy, black fur has white stripes along the neck, back, and sides to mid-body. Behind these are vertical white stripes or broken stripes (which appear as spots). White spots also occur on the forehead and in front of each ear. The eyes are small and the ears are short. Tail is black, but sometimes has a white tip.
The Eastern Spotted Skunk’s scent is stronger than the similar Striped Skunk.
This particular skunk is “considered a species of greatest conservation need in Tennessee,” according to the TWRA.