[4] Brachyprotoma obtusata is known solely from its jaws and teeth, thus postcraneal elements are deduced based on the relatively similar hog-nosed skunks, but as a more robust form.

[6] Brachyprotoma obtusata's jaw is considered to possess several primitive characteristics, such as the large size of Premolar

[8] The generic name Brachyprotoma, from the greek brachy, meaning short; and protomē, the head and neck of a decapitated animal; in reference to the holotype's robust appearance as well as the curious lack of postcranial remains.

The precise phylogenetic relationships of Brachyprotoma within Mephitidae remain controversial, it shares a dental formula with Promephitis hootoni, while its P

al. 2005,[9] Brachyprotoma obtusata was recovered as a more derived skunk: Mydaus Palaeomephitis Promephitis Martinogale faulli Martinogale chisoensis Martinogale alveodens Buisnictis Spilogale Brachyprotoma Mephitis Osmotherium Conepatus It is unclear why Brachyprotoma obtusata went extinct along with the North American megafauna, there are several present specimens in the Bonneville Basin, Utah, circa 24.000 to 18.000 years ago.

However, the species is absent in more recent strata; where only generalists remain, suggesting some degree of specialization in Brachyprotoma obtusata, perhaps related to the megafauna itself.