Skunk FAQ
Why Do Skunks Spray?
Skunks are not normally aggressive animals. They, under normal circumstances, only spray when they feel threatened. If you spot a skunk, back away slowly and quietly. Do not make any loud noises or quick movements. However, if you encounter a skunk that is aggressive and does not seem to be afraid of you...or keeps approaching you...call animal control and go inside. Bring your pets in as well. This skunk may be rabid.
**Note, the response, or lack of it, from animal control will vary from city to city**
What is Skunk Spray?
What is skunk spray or skunk musk? You may be wondering what the heck this horrible smelling stuff is. What is it made of? And no, it is not pee as some believe.
A very basic answer is that skunk spray is made of thiols and thioacetates. Thiols are responsible for the horrible smell we all associate with skunks. Thioacetates are more dangerous and can cause red blood cells to burst, temporary blindness, nausea, diarrhea and more. Thioacetates are the parts of a skunk's spray that cause all of the real problems. A skunk's smell is inconvenient. But there are some aspects of skunk spray that are dangerous.
Where Does Skunk Spray Come From?
Skunks have anal glands on each side of the anus. Muscles located near these glands allow a skunk to spray from them up to 15 feet! It does not come directly from their anus.
Do Skunks Live in Trees?
Skunks live in fallen trees. They will also live in fallen trees if there is a hole or opening that they can fit into.
Do Skunks Live in Holes?
Yes, skunks will live in holes or any space that they fit into. If it makes them feel safe and protected, they will live there.
Skunks are not normally aggressive animals. They, under normal circumstances, only spray when they feel threatened. If you spot a skunk, back away slowly and quietly. Do not make any loud noises or quick movements. However, if you encounter a skunk that is aggressive and does not seem to be afraid of you...or keeps approaching you...call animal control and go inside. Bring your pets in as well. This skunk may be rabid.
**Note, the response, or lack of it, from animal control will vary from city to city**
What is Skunk Spray?
What is skunk spray or skunk musk? You may be wondering what the heck this horrible smelling stuff is. What is it made of? And no, it is not pee as some believe.
A very basic answer is that skunk spray is made of thiols and thioacetates. Thiols are responsible for the horrible smell we all associate with skunks. Thioacetates are more dangerous and can cause red blood cells to burst, temporary blindness, nausea, diarrhea and more. Thioacetates are the parts of a skunk's spray that cause all of the real problems. A skunk's smell is inconvenient. But there are some aspects of skunk spray that are dangerous.
Where Does Skunk Spray Come From?
Skunks have anal glands on each side of the anus. Muscles located near these glands allow a skunk to spray from them up to 15 feet! It does not come directly from their anus.
Do Skunks Live in Trees?
Skunks live in fallen trees. They will also live in fallen trees if there is a hole or opening that they can fit into.
Do Skunks Live in Holes?
Yes, skunks will live in holes or any space that they fit into. If it makes them feel safe and protected, they will live there.
