WHAT animal is the symbol of stink? Even in Malaysia, where they are not native, a good number of people are likely to name the skunk.
Unlike most animals who defend themselves with fangs or claws, skunks release a noxious spray that is highly effective at fending off even the most dogged of predators.
However, a more intriguing question is whether other skunks find this spray repellent.
Verdict:
TRUE
The skunk’s defining characteristic is its foul spray – and for good reason. This liquid is produced by glands located at the base of the skunk’s tail and can be projected with impressive accuracy over several metres.
What gives skunk spray its characteristic pungent odour is a mix of sulphur-containing compounds.
The rotten-egg smell can be detected by the human nose even at extremely low concentrations.
Even worse, the sticky, oily fluid is notoriously hard to remove and can linger for up to months.
However, you may be surprised to learn that its odour is not the main reason why skunk spray is such an effective deterrent. While the substance may smell awful to humans, there is nothing to suggest that other animals, such as dogs, think the same.
After all, garbage smells nasty to humans, but Fido is often more than happy to go dumpster diving.
Rather, skunk spray can be painful and irritating, especially if it gets into the eyes or other mucous membranes. There is also evidence to suggest that the liquid tastes foul to many of the skunk’s natural predators.
This is why skunks often aim their spray at the eyes or mouth of an attacker.
If you observe carefully, you will notice that skunks are careful to avoid being caught in the mist of their own spray, contorting themselves into a ‘U’ shape before releasing the fluids. That is because they themselves are not immune to these irritants.
Moreover, skunks do not release their spray indiscriminately. They often give several warning signs before spraying, such as hissing, stamping their feet, and raising their tails – much like how an angry cat puffs up before attacking.
Oftentimes, spraying is a last-resort as skunks can only store a few millilitres of spray in their glands.
Once used up, it can take several days to replenish, leaving the animal relatively defenceless in the meantime.
This is also why skunks do not spray when they are fighting territorial or mating battles with rival skunks.
All in all, getting ‘skunked’ is an unpleasant experience for everyone involved!
Sources:
1. https://abcwildlife.com/blog/
facts/
2. https://kids.
3. https://www.popsci.com/do-
4. https://www.scienceupdate.com/
