Skip to Content

Oregon Researcher Gets Sprayed 100 Times by a Skunk for Groundbreaking Study

In a daring effort to unravel the mysteries of the elusive Western spotted skunk, Oregon State University (OSU) researcher Marie Tosa endured up to 100 skunk sprays over 2.5 years. According to a report by John Ross Ferrara of KOIN 6 News, Tosa’s groundbreaking study offers crucial insights into this little-known species, setting a strong foundation for conservation efforts in the Pacific Northwest.

A Squirrel-Sized Mystery

A Squirrel Sized Mystery
Image Credit: Oregon State University

The Western spotted skunk, smaller than its striped cousin, is a creature cloaked in mystery despite its wide habitat range spanning from New Mexico to British Columbia. Tosa’s study, titled Western Spotted Skunk Spatial Ecology in the Temperate Rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, sheds light on the habits, movement, and ecological significance of these creatures, Ferrara reports.

“They’re a black and white tube sock,” Tosa said in a vivid description of the animal. “They’re mostly black with white spots and a giant white spot on their forehead. And they’re really, really adorable.”

A Smelly Price for Science

A Smelly Price for Science
Image Credit: Oregon State University

Tosa’s work involved capturing and collaring 31 skunks, placing radio telemetry collars on 25 of them, according to Ferrara. This close contact inevitably led to her being sprayed countless times. Tosa compared the smell to “really strong raw garlic.” To rid herself of the odor, she relied on a paste of hydrogen peroxide, Dawn dish soap, and baking soda.

While enduring the smell may seem daunting, Tosa’s resolve underscores the importance of her work. As OSU Associate Professor Taal Levi told Ferrara, “For such an abundant carnivore in these forests, we don’t really know anything about them.”

Covering More Ground Than Deer

Covering More Ground Than Deer
Image Credit: Oregon State University

One of the most surprising findings of Tosa’s study is the Western spotted skunk’s expansive home range. According to an Oregon State University video, these small mammals can cover nearly 12 square miles – far exceeding the single square mile range of the black-tailed deer. This mobility makes them critical players in the ecosystem, bridging the gap between prey species such as deer mice and predators like bobcats and owls.

A Precarious Existence

A Precarious Existence
Image Credit: Oregon State University

The Western spotted skunk isn’t currently listed as endangered, but Tosa’s research raises concerns about its long-term survival. Both Ferrara and OSU highlighted the parallels between this species and the Eastern spotted skunk, which experienced a dramatic population decline – 90% in the 1940s and 1950s, and 99% by 1980.

“Habitat loss is believed to be a factor in the population decline,” said Damon Lesmeister, a researcher at the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station. However, the lack of studies on the species complicates conservation efforts.

Habitat Loss and Climate Pressures

Habitat Loss and Climate Pressures
Image Credit: Oregon State University

Ferrara notes that Tosa’s study emphasized the skunk’s reliance on undisturbed habitats. While the species was found in both old-growth and younger forests, logging and land-use changes pose significant threats. Additionally, Tosa discovered that these skunks are sensitive to extreme winter weather, highlighting their vulnerability to climate change.

Innovative Research Methods

Innovative Research Methods
Image Credit: Oregon State University

The study employed over 100 baited trail cameras to identify skunk activity areas in Oregon’s Cascade Range. Tosa then used live traps baited with sardines and other attractants to capture the animals. Once collared, the skunks were tracked using radio telemetry, a method chosen due to their small size and the dense canopy of the forest, which interferes with GPS signals.

In an OSU video titled Why We Need More Skunks, Tosa explained that her team covered over 12,000 miles to monitor the skunks’ movements, often driving through the rugged terrain with an antenna mounted to their vehicle.

Fire’s Impact on Skunks

Fire's Impact on Skunks
Image Credit: Oregon State University

Wildfires have since swept through much of Tosa’s study area, including the Holiday Farm Fire in 2020, the Lookout Fire in 2023, and the Ore Fire in 2024. Although Ferrara notes that Tosa speculates the skunks are likely adapted to surviving wildfires, she acknowledges that more research is needed to confirm this.

A Vital Role in the Ecosystem

A Vital Role in the Ecosystem
Image Credit: Oregon State University

The Western spotted skunk is not just a fascinating creature – it plays a crucial role in the forest ecosystem. As OSU emphasized, skunks act as both predator and prey, connecting various elements of the food web. Protecting their habitat ensures the health of the broader ecosystem.

Lessons from the East

Lessons from the East
Image Credit: Oregon State University

The plight of the Eastern spotted skunk serves as a cautionary tale for researchers like Tosa. Without sufficient data on the species before its decline, conservation efforts were hampered. Ferrara reports that Tosa’s work aims to avoid repeating history, providing much-needed information to guide future conservation strategies.

A Future of Discovery

A Future of Discovery
Image Credit: Oregon State University

Tosa’s study not only reveals the hidden lives of Western spotted skunks but also paves the way for further research. Her findings, as detailed by Ferrara and OSU, underscore the need to balance human development with the preservation of biodiversity.

A Hero for the Underdogs

A Hero for the Underdogs
Image Credit: Oregon State University

Tosa’s dedication is nothing short of heroic. Enduring countless skunk sprays and traversing thousands of miles, she exemplifies the resilience needed to protect overlooked species. As urban expansion and climate change continue to threaten wildlife, studies like hers remind us of the intricate connections within ecosystems and the importance of every species – even the smelly ones.

The Western spotted skunk’s story is a call to action for scientists, policymakers, and the public. As Tosa’s work shows, understanding these animals is the first step toward protecting them. The question is: will we act before it’s too late?