The Skunk: An Underappreciated Animal

Image by Silvia from Pixabay

Skunks are known for their distinct odor. I have never encountered a skunk, but I watched a hilarious scene in the movie Hachi: A Dog’s Tale where Richard Gere’s character and his Akita dog were frightened by this much smaller animal. I also heard a story from my coworker that her nephew mistook a skunk for a dog and kicked the animal, resulting in a lingering and irritating odor that made him cry all day. This incident must have taught him a valuable lesson not to kick anyone again!

But what is a skunk anyway? They must be playing some role in the ecosystem as wild animals. So, I went digging to learn more about skunks beyond their smell.

🦨7 interesting facts about skunks

1. There are 12(!) different species within the skunk family. While each type of skunk has a unique coat pattern and nose shape, they all possess scent glands and can spray as a defense mechanism.
2. Skunks are mainly found in North America and are highly adaptable to their surroundings. They can reside in deserts, forests, and suburban areas.
3. They are nocturnal.
4. As omnivores, they consume insects, rodents, vegetables, and fruits. Skunks are crucial members to sustain our environment since they control pest insects and spread plant seeds through their feces. So, next time you spot a skunk in your garden, do not be too quick to repel them because they may be protecting you from health hazards and property damage.
5. Contrary to popular belief, skunks do not spray whenever they see humans or other animals; this self-defense behavior is their last resort, as it would take two weeks to “refill” the spray. Instead, they usually give a warning by stomping their feet or raising their tails.
6. They are wildlife, not domestic animals. In other words, we should not keep them as pets. Only injured or orphaned skunks can receive care from certified wildlife specialists until they are healthy enough to be released into the wild.
7. Skunks in the wild live for around 7 years, while rescue skunks can have a longer life, possibly 10 years, with help from wildlife experts.

🦨What to do if you get sprayed

The odor won’t go away after just one shower. However, some soaps can help wash off the smell. Shampoo designed for oily hair, grease-cutting dish detergent, and baking soda can minimize the smell.

It’s important to note that skunk spray contains flammable chemicals called thiols, so it’s best to avoid using firearms to scare off skunks. Additionally, it’s not recommended to use scented candles or gas-based air fresheners after cleaning up the odor, in case these products react with the chemical residues.

🦨Final thought

We should aim to live peacefully with skunks. If your dog tends to chase wild animals like squirrels, it would be beneficial to consider dog training to avoid skunk spray incidents. If your kids tend to approach animals, it is a good idea to teach them to seek permission before touching animals or to respect boundaries with animals. Above all, skunks are inquisitive and generally harmless animals that play an essential role in our natural environment.

If you are curious about the life of this fascinating animal, here are some video suggestions:
☆Fragil baby skunks growing up to be independent wildlife
☆The human-skunk interaction that makes you smile
☆Skunks with unique personalities