This Tiny Kentucky Mammal Can Climb Trees and Do Handstands

Forget everything you thought you knew about skunks.

Kentucky's newest official state non-game mammal isn't just smaller than the striped skunks you're used to seeing. It also climbs trees, performs handstands, and is considered one of the state's most unique native mammals.

Meet the Eastern spotted skunk.

While it might be best known for its adorable acrobatic defense move, wildlife officials say the species also needs help, as populations have declined across much of its range.

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Yes, It Really Does Handstands

Before spraying a potential predator, the Eastern spotted skunk puts on quite a show.

According to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, the animal first stomps its feet as a warning. If that doesn't convince a threat to back off, it rises onto its front legs into a full handstand before spraying.

The unusual behavior has made the squirrel-sized skunk an internet favorite, but it's actually an important defense strategy in the wild.

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Smaller Than the Skunks You're Used to Seeing

Most people are familiar with the striped skunk, but the Eastern spotted skunk looks noticeably different.

According to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife, Eastern spotted skunks are:

• About the size of a squirrel.
• Covered in a mosaic-like pattern of white spots instead of two long white stripes.
• Recognizable by the mostly white tip of their tail.
• Marked with a triangular white pattern on the face rather than a long stripe down the nose.

They're also the only skink species known to climb trees.

Read More: This Kentucky Jail Has Grown More Than 41,000 Pounds of Food

Where They Live

In Kentucky, Eastern spotted skunks are found primarily in the eastern part of the state.

They prefer areas with plenty of natural cover, including:

• Woodland habitats
• Rhododendron thickets
• Rock piles and rockslides
• Hollow logs
• Cliff crevices
• Brushy woodlots

They often den in rock crevices, abandoned burrows, hollow logs, and even old buildings.

Why They're a Species of Concern

Unlike more common striped skunks, Eastern spotted skunks appear to be declining throughout Kentucky.

Wildlife officials believe habitat loss, pesticide use, and changes in agricultural practices have all contributed to fewer spotted skunks.

Because of those concerns, they're listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Kentucky's State Wildlife Action Plan.

Researchers are still learning about the species and currently rely on trail cameras, public sightings, and even roadkill reports to better understand where the animals live and how many remain.

Tiny but Mighty

Eastern spotted skunks may be small, but they are incredibly adaptable.

They're active year-round and eat just about anything they can find, including:

• Insects
• Bird eggs
• Small mammals
• Reptiles
• Amphibians
• Carrion

Females typically give birth to one litter each year, with anywhere from one to six young born between late April and July.

Whether you know them for their incredible handstands or their impressive climbing skills, one thing is certain: Kentucky's newest official non-game mammal is proving that good things really do come in small packages.