Spotted skunks are much more active and alert than any of the other skunks.
They occur largely in wooded areas and tall-grass prairies, preferring rocky canyons and outcrops when such sites are available. They are less common in the short-grass plains. In areas where common, they have a tendency to live around farmyards and often den under or in buildings. Their den sites are varied. In rocky areas they prefer cracks and crevices in the rocks or a burrow under a large rock.