Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
4.2.2.7 Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius)
The eastern spotted skunk is listed as DNR Threatened.
Species Description
The DNR Rare Species Guide includes the following species description for the eastern spotted skunk
(2009):
The eastern spotted skunk can be easily confused with the more common striped skunk
(Mephitis mephitis). Both species have a characteristic bushy tail, black and white
pelage, and pungent odor. The eastern spotted skunk is smaller 46‐56 cm (18‐22 in.)
than the more common striped skunk 64‐76 cm (25‐30 in.) and has a more complex
pattern of white spots or broken stripes than does the striped skunk, which has 2 white
stripes running from head to tail. The eastern spotted skunk generally has a whitetipped
tail.
Species Habitat
Eastern spotted skunks prefer a range of open habitat that offers sufficient cover. They are known to
occur in forests, brushy areas and woodlands in prairies (NatureServe, 2009). Fencerows, shelterbelts
and riparian woodlands are also known to contain appropriate habitat. This species is well adapted to
agricultural land use and are known to utilize outbuildings for cover and denning (DNR, 2009).
Species Distribution and Occurrences within the Study Area
This species ranges across the east central and southeast United States as well as northeastern Mexico.
It can be found in appropriate habitats between the Dakotas, Wyoming, Texas, the northeastern
Mexican states, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and into the central Appalachian states of Maryland, the
Virginias, and Kentucky (NatureServe, 2009; DNR, 2009). Minnesota is on the northern edge of the
eastern spotted skunk’s range. It is locally distributed across the state, with known occurrences
restricted to Roseau, Hubbard, Hennepin, Washington, Watonwan, and Blue Earth counties (DNR, 2009).
Within the Study Area, there is one DNR observation of this species; however, it is noted as
questionable. Appropriate habitat may exist within the Study Area.
Risk Factors
Risk factors to eastern spotted skunks are not clearly understood, as there is a general lack of
understanding of the recent declines seen in this population. The decline of family farms, in favor of
larger farming enterprises and building techniques meant to exclude small mammals may have reduced
the availability of potential food sources and denning sites within the state. The increased use of
pesticides is also thought to have had a detrimental effect on this species (DNR, 2009).
4.2.2.8 Northern Bog Lemming (Synaptommys borealis)
The northern bog lemming is listed as DNR Special Concern, CNF RFSS, and as DRM Sensitive.
Species Description
The following species description of the northern bog lemming is included in the DNR Rare Species
Guide (2009):
The northern bog lemming closely resembles other microtine rodents with which it may
share habitat. Grooved upper incisors, a very short tail (18‐25 mm; 0.7‐1.0 in.), and
grizzled grayish brown to chestnut colored pelage, with a buffy orange patch at the base
of the ear, can help distinguish bog lemmings of the genus Synaptomys from other
July 2010 Species and Associated Habitat Page 4‐35