As hunting seasons open and more people head out to the woods, the Louisiana wildlife agency is asking residents to stay on the lookout for a small and once-common skunk.

One telltale sign: It may be performing handstands. There's a reason for that.

"Have you seen an Eastern Spotted Skunk?" the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wrote Sunday on Facebook. "We need your help!"

The state has not confirmed a Louisiana sighting of the species for 40 years, though the skunk has been seen recently in all three neighboring states. Jennifer Hogue-Manuel, the furbearer biologist for Louisiana, said Eastern spotted skunk populations are thought to be in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use and diseases.

"With the prevalence of game cameras and security cameras, it's possible

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