Their fur is shiny black with varying amounts of white on the head, back and tail.
Adults are about two feet long, including the tail.
Spotted skunks occur primarily in southern Missouri, but nowhere are they abundant. They are about one-half the size of striped skunks. A characteristic strong, pungent odor results when skunks spray musk from their scent glands. These shy, secretive animals discharge their scent only when disturbed or harassed. Skunks are nocturnal, and while they do not hibernate, they may be inactive for extended periods during winter.