“Zack, why do skunks smell so bad?”
Skunks are small, but they can be smelly! The reason skunks smell bad is because of a gland under their tail that produces and sprays their stink. The stinky spray is an oily liquid primarily made up of a substance called thiols, with a sulfur component that is the earmark of the signature skunk odor. A skunk's smell is hard to get rid of because compounds within the skunk's oil interact with water, reactivating the odor, so it can bring up the smell again even if you think it’s gone. Skunks are born with the ability to make and spray thiols from birth. The spray is a defense mechanism - so they will spray if they are surprised or feel threatened. Skunks will often give warning signs that they might spray, like stamping their feet or flicking their tail. Spotted skunks can even do a handstand while spraying! Wyoming has three skunk species - striped skunk, Eastern spotted skunk and Western spotted skunks, and they all spray.
Zack Walker Statewide Nongame Bird and Mammal Program Supervisor
Can't find your answer here? Search our archives of previous "Ask Game and Fish" questions.
Frequently asked questions about hunting, fishing, wildlife, application process and watercraft.
Stay up to date on all Wyoming Game and Fish news either by email or text message. Click the link below to get started.
CONNECT WITH US