This genus may be distinguished from the other two genera by its small size, forehead patch, and pattern of stripes and spots, the white never being massed. There is a pair of scent glands under the base of the tail, from which a jet of strong-smelling fluid can be emitted through the anus. Spotted skunks occur in a variety of brushy, rocky, and wooded habitats but avoid dense forests and wetlands. They usually den underground but can climb well and sometimes shelter in trees. The dens are lined with dry vegetation.
Spotted skunks are largely nocturnal and are active all year.
The omnivorous diet consists mainly of vegetation and insects in the summer and of rodents and other small animals in the winter. The white-plumed tail is used to warn other animals that spotted skunks should not be molested. If, however, the sudden erection of the tail is not sufficient deterrence, Spilogale may stand on its forefeet and sometimes even advance toward its adversary. In spring the males wander over an area of about 5-10 sq km, but females have smaller ranges. Spotted skunks are very playful with one another.