Many people ask, "why do skunks spray?".   Although it may seem that skunks spray whenever they see you.  And even I would not stop to take my chances, skunks are actually not very aggressive.  They are very laid back.  Unless, of course, they are rabid.  Rabid skunks are often overly and unusually aggressive.

If you see a skunk and back away slowly and quietly, chances are  you will avoid the stink.  Now, like I said, I would not take my chances, but in most cases you would fare well.

Skunks spray when they feel they or their food is threatened.  They spray to protect themselves.  If they are in fear, they will spray.