Feds Eye Protections for Handstand-Dancing Skunk Found in Iowa

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering Endangered Species Act protections for the plains spotted skunk, a quirky creature that performs a handstand dance to scare off predators. This small skunk, about the size of a squirrel, is found in Iowa and nine other states, prompting a review that could have local implications for landowners and conservation efforts.

What Makes the Plains Spotted Skunk Unique?

The plains spotted skunk is far more acrobatic than its larger striped cousin. To defend itself, it stands on its front paws, lifts its backside and tail, and wobbles in a dance to appear larger. Kurt Kuklinski, wildlife diversity and research supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, described the behavior. “They stand on their front hands and put their backside and their tail up in the air and start wobbling around and doing this little dance to look larger than they appear,” he said.

This secretive mammal has long been difficult to study because of its elusive nature. Biologists are now gathering more data on its population size and habitat preferences across its range, which includes Iowa, Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.

Why Is the Federal Government Reviewing Protections?

The review was triggered by a petition from Grasslands Unlimited, a Nebraska-based conservation group. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Monday it will spend the next year evaluating whether the skunk qualifies for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. In 2023, the agency declined to list the species, but new data suggests its distribution may have shrunk or its numbers may be very low in the Great Plains.

“Since then, new data suggest the species may have a reduced distribution or occur at very low numbers in the Great Plains, and may warrant reconsideration for federal protection,” the agency said in a news release.

What Does This Mean for Iowa?

Iowa is one of the states where the plains spotted skunk is found, and any federal protections could affect local land use, farming practices, and conservation programs. Kuklinski noted that new research indicates the skunk may be stable in Oklahoma’s wild forests, but the Fish and Wildlife Service must weigh data from all states. “We feel fairly comfortable that they are stable here in Oklahoma,” he said. “But again, that’s one state out of eight to 10 states where they exist, and the Fish and Wildlife Service has to weigh information coming from all of us conservation partners.”

The agency could also split the skunk’s range geographically, granting different protections in different states. This approach was used for the lesser prairie chicken before it was removed from the Endangered Species Act in 2025. In Oklahoma, that bird was listed as “threatened” while its southern population was considered “endangered.” Kuklinski said a similar outcome is possible for the plains spotted skunk because it prefers different habitats across its range.

How Will This Affect Landowners and Conservation?

For Iowa farmers and landowners, a federal listing could bring new regulations or incentives for habitat preservation. The Fish and Wildlife Service will spend the next year reviewing scientific data, and state wildlife agencies are sharing all available information. Kuklinski emphasized the skunk’s ecological value. “They’re just such a unique, valuable part of that ecosystem that we would hate to see gone, and we’re going to do everything we can to try to protect them,” he said.

Conservationists and property owners alike should monitor the review process, which will include public comment periods. The outcome could shape how Iowa manages its natural resources while balancing agricultural interests and wildlife protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where in Iowa is the plains spotted skunk found?

The plains spotted skunk has been documented in parts of Iowa, particularly in areas with suitable habitat like grasslands and forest edges. Exact locations are not fully mapped due to the animal’s secretive nature.

Could federal protections restrict farming in Iowa?

If the skunk is listed as threatened or endangered, it could lead to habitat conservation requirements on federal lands or projects. However, voluntary conservation programs often help landowners adapt without major restrictions.

When will the Fish and Wildlife Service make a decision?

The agency has one year to review data and propose a rule. Public comments will be accepted before a final decision is made, likely in 2027.

This article was originally reported by StateImpact Oklahoma and adapted for Just The News Iowa.