Alabama › Species › Eastern Spotted Skunk
Protected, no open season
Eastern spotted skunk in Alabama: protected
Closed all year in Alabama: the rule, the reasons and what is open instead.
Photo: Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0)
Eastern Spotted Skunk: closed in 2026-27
No spotted skunk may be taken in Alabama this season; the sources below explain the status of eastern spotted skunks and the law behind it.
- ADCNR: No season.
- Methods: Taking prohibited without permit.
- Note: Protected nongame mammal (220-2-.92).
From ADCNR Regulation Book p. 127, checked November 1, 2026.
Eastern Spotted Skunk and related closed species
How the Code of Alabama and the ADCNR rules list eastern spotted skunks, and what they say about other closed species.
- Protected nongame mammals: Brazilian free-tailed, eastern small-footed, gray, Indiana, little brown, northern long-eared, northern yellow, Rafinesque's big-eared, southeastern and tricolored bats; southeastern pocket gopher; West Indian manatee; Alabama beach, meadow jumping and Perdido Key beach mice; pygmy and smoky shrews; Appalachian cottontail; marsh rabbit; spotted skunk; long-tailed weasel; Allegheny woodrat. Take, possession or sale needs a permit.
From ADCNR Regulation Book p. 127, checked November 1, 2026.
Open seasons related to eastern spotted skunks
The nearest open seasons to eastern spotted skunks.
| Species | Season | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Striped Skunk | Oct 31–Feb 28 | No limit. |
| Mink | Oct 31–Feb 28 | No limit. |
| Opossum | No closed season | No bag limit. |
From the ADCNR season pages, checked November 1, 2026.
Eastern Spotted Skunk violations and the Code
Fines and license revocations tied to eastern spotted skunks.
| Violation | Penalty | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Closed season / illegal take | Misdemeanor: $250-$1,000 fine and up to 6 months jail (same for wild turkey taken illegally or in closed season). | § 9-11-236 |
| Night hunting | Class B misdemeanor: $2,000-$3,000 first offense, up to 6 months jail, mandatory 3-year revocation of hunting privileges. | § 9-11-235 |
| Hunting without permission (day) | First offense at least $1,000 and possible 1-year license revocation; later offenses at least $2,000, 1-year revocation and 10-30 days jail. | § 9-11-241 |
| Hunting without a license | Residents: Class C misdemeanor, $75-$250; lending/transferring a license same. Nonresident penalties in 9-11-51(c). | § 9-11-51 |
To report a spotted skunk case, call Operation Game Watch at 1-800-272-4263.
From Code of Alabama 9-11-236, Code of Alabama 9-11-235, Code of Alabama 9-11-241, Code of Alabama 9-11-51 and 2026-2027 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest p. 52, checked November 1, 2026.
Protected species related to eastern spotted skunks
Other protected wildlife in Alabama, listed beside eastern spotted skunks.
- Black bear: No open season. Hunting, wounding, killing, trapping or attempting to in closed season, or selling/transporting bears or parts, is a Class A misdemeanor: first offense $2,000-$5,000 and/or up to 1 year; later $3,500-$5,000 and 6 months-1 year; 3-year revocation of hunting and fishing licenses; vehicles and weapons may be confiscated. Incidental take during lawful activity excepted; legally taken out-of-state bears may be possessed.
- Mountain lion (cougar): Designated game animal with no open season.
- Ruffed grouse: Resident game bird with no open season.
- Red wolf: Designated game animal (220-2-.06); no season in the 2026-27 sources.
- American alligator: Unlawful to possess, take or kill alligators, skins, meat, eggs or parts except as provided (limited-quota hunting season, nuisance control hunters, licensed farms).
- Protected nongame reptiles, amphibians and fishes: Rule 220-2-.92 lists protected fishes (e.g., Alabama sturgeon, Gulf sturgeon, many darters), amphibians (e.g., eastern hellbender, Red Hills salamander, gopher frogs) and reptiles; possession of more than one box turtle and sale of eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are restricted.
- Live cervids and listed exotics: No import of live deer, elk or other cervids; no possession, sale, import or release of listed animals (mongoose, wild rabbits/hares, out-of-state coyote, fox, raccoon, skunk, wild rodents, wild turkey strains, bear, mountain lion, bobcat, pronghorn, nondomestic pigs/peccaries/bovids except bison). Release of any turkey into the wild prohibited.
From the ADCNR Regulation Book and the ADCNR closed-season page, checked November 1, 2026.
Eastern Spotted Skunk FAQ for Alabama
Where do the spotted skunk rules come from?
The Commissioner of Conservation adopts the ch. 220-2 rules; this page follows those and the Code of Alabama as read November 1, 2026.
When is spotted skunk season in Alabama?
No. No season. Protected nongame mammal (220-2-.92).
Why can eastern spotted skunks not be taken in Alabama?
Eastern spotted skunks are protected by 220-2-.92, the nongame wildlife rule in the ADCNR Regulation Book.
What related game has a season?
Try striped skunks (Oct 31–Feb 28); mink (Oct 31–Feb 28); opossums (No closed season).
What group are eastern spotted skunks in under ADCNR rules?
ADCNR treats them as protected nongame wildlife.
Are captive eastern spotted skunks allowed in Alabama?
Only under a permit, and the sources read show none for hunters.
Who do I call about a poaching case in Alabama?
Use the GAMEWATCH line, 1-800-272-4263, to reach Conservation Enforcement Officers.
Which game has no open season in Alabama?
No open season for black bear, mountain lion or ruffed grouse. Taking a black bear in closed season is a Class A misdemeanor (Code 9-11-481). Red wolves have no season either, and rule 220-2-.92 protects nongame species such as the marsh rabbit, Appalachian cottontail, spotted skunk and long-tailed weasel.
Other photos on this page: Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0).