Spotted Skunk and Weasel Populations Den and Cover Usage by Northeast Iowa

Examination of dens and territories of 118 Mustela frenata, 59 Mustela rixosa, and 65 Spilogale interrupta, in northeast Iowa indicated that tall grass, hay meadow, and brush-bramble-weed growth at field edges were the favorite habitats of the three species. Black willows were attractive to Spilogale and M. Jrenata. M. rixosa was most tolerant of sparse cover. Spilogale and M. frenata preferred burrows of Franklin ground squirrels and pocket gophers for primary den sites. M. rixosa favored mole runs and Blarina burrows for den sites. The present trend to continuous corn, reduced hay acreage, removal of permanent fences, and use of herbicides is reducing much of the cover needed by these small predators and the burrowing mammals associated with them