The skunk spray page

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Information on skunks, skunk spray, and skunk odor

All you ever wanted to know about skunks, their spray, how to remove the odor, and stories from reader's unfortunate encounters. Skunks are rarely discussed until their pungent odor is present and a person or pet has been sprayed. The odor is so pungent in 2008 Israel started to use skunk spray as a non-lethal crowd control method, resulting in protesters running for showers in self defense. Skunk odor is so concentrated briefly walking through a 2000 square foot house with a 1/2 drop of the liquid can permeate the house for days without ever touching an item in the house. (Unfortunately I discovered this while testing products!). Skunk odor removal methods have people performing strange home remedy rituals or purchasing products that may or may not work. After several real life encounters, researching, and testing remedies against each other, I've compiled a significant amount of information to share about skunk spray. Although I've had positive feedback for the shared information, the most popular part of the page has been readers sharing their personal skunk spray stories so if you have a good story please tell us at the end of this page!

When will a skunk spray? 

Skunks do not arbitrarily spray; interestingly, even skunks find the odor offensive. Skunk's spray primarily when they feel their life is in danger. The only exception is during mating season. Males may spray each other, while competing for females, and females may spray undesirable or annoying male mates.

How does a skunk spray? 

When threatened, a skunk will first attempt to ward off the threat by dancing around and chattering it's teeth while making growling sounds. If the warning is ignored, the skunk will form a U, facing it's head and rear towards the danger, lift it's tail, and launch the foul smelling liquid. There are a few myths that say skunks cannot spray if their tail is down, or if you hold it in the air by the tail. Both myths are wrong. Although you should not handle wild animals, if you were to attempt any of the myths, you would endure an odiferous wrath! Skunks do not pee or pass gas to disperse the spray. Skunks have two glands, which produce a light yellow liquid, connected to two nipple shaped ducts, used to eject the spray, located near the anus. Depending on the proximity of the threat, the liquid can be launched 6-10 feet in the form of a fine spray or as a shorter spurt of droplets. Once released, skunk odor can be detected over a mile away. Baby skunks are less developed and are not as likely to spray; however, they are capable. Adults are capable of 2-3 launchings.
Striped Skunk, Mephitis Mephitis Baby in Spraying Position Montana



Where does the skunk spray it's odor from? Click on the area to purchase the poster. It's a gift anyone who has been sprayed will never forget!

What makes a skunk smell? 

Scientists have been working to identify the odiferous skunk smell for years. They believe the smell is predominantly a result of chemicals called thiols such as 3?methyl-1-butanethiol and (E)?2?butene?1?thiol. Other substances that have been identified are (E)-2-buten-1-thiol and 3-methyl-1-butanethiol, which is believed to be the cause of a returning skunk smells when the substances become moist. The chemicals are responsible for the return of skunk smell on dogs, months after the encounter, when they get wet. For more technical information try this site

What to do if you encounter a skunk 

Skunks have a limited amount of spray and rely on it to protect themselves from being injured or killed, so they avoid wasting their defense measures until a threat appears imminent. Unless you surprise or antagonize them, the chances of being sprayed are slim. If you do happen to see a skunk do not do anything the skunk may interpret as a threat such as running, shouting, or throwing objects at it. If you can hit it with a rock, it can hit you with it's spray and spray always beat rocks! Slowly walk away from the area keeping your arms relaxed and by your side. Do not stare or look directly at the skunk, in the animal world it is a sign of aggression. Talk in a soft monotone voice while backing away. Although these tips do not guarantee you not to be sprayed, they will greatly reduce the chances of an odiferous encounter. If you have a dog with you try to face the dog away from the skunk and if possible keep them from barking. Skunks are not normally active during the day and do not readily approach people. If a skunk acts in this manner or appears to be acting strange, it may have a disease such as rabies. Distance yourself rapidly and contact animal control.

What happens to a Dog sprayed by skunk? 

A dog sprayed by a skunk can cause quite a commotion. After an occurrence, the dog may be disoriented. Chemicals in the musk do more than just produce odor, it also affects the dog's eyes, nose, and taste. Distorted vision can occur for a few minutes followed by the eyes tearing for a few hours. Profuse salivating from the mouth can be expected. If the dog is close enough to the skunk, its sense of smell and taste could be diminished for up to 1-2 weeks, resulting in a poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. All affects are usually temporary. Unfortunately, if left untreated, the skunk odor is always last to subside.
Striped Skunk in Defensive Posture Trying to Spray Dog

What to do when a skunk sprays my dog 

After being sprayed your dog will probably try to reach a familiar place, which is normally inside your house!
1. If you go to the door, hear a frantic dog, and smell a skunk odor, DO NOT LET THEM IN! If you do, the odor will stick to everything and exponentially complicate the issue.
2. Any windows that are open shut them immediately to reduce the odor from permeating the house.
3. Let your dog settle down outside while you change into clothes you can throw out. If you have rubber gloves you'll need them too.
4. Prior to going outside, you'll need: Vick's vapor rub, a leash, washcloth, shampoo supplies, towels, and a flashlight if it's dark. If it's winter and you turn the water off inside, don't forget to turn it on.
5. Prepare a place to keep the dog. Places, in order of preference are: OUTSIDE (if it's not too cold), the garage, an unfinished basement, or bathroom. If you'll be keeping your dog inside, place plastic trash bags where you plan on leashing your dog overnight and move any absorbable material (anything you can't wipe down) away from the area. Make sure the drinking dish is nearby and you can secure a leashed dog in the location.
6. If you have the Vick's, place some under your nose. It will reduce the pungent skunk odor.
7. Once outside leash the dog and attempt to have your dog not rub against you.
8. Bath time! Shampooing the dog will remove some of the skunk spray off; however, more baths will occur.
9. A dog follows its nose, and a skunk aims for the face resulting in skunk odor being heavily concentrated around a dogs face. Use the washcloth to carefully clean the dogs face.
10. Lots of soap and water is important.
11. Check the dog very carefully for any scratches or bite marks. Skunks can carry rabies. If you find any bites or scratches, you should call your veterinarian.
12. You can now continue to remove odor or towel dry the dog until you can obtain odor removal supplies.
13. If you must bring the dog inside, do not let them touch anything. Keep them leashed until you finish the process.

Skunk Odor Removal 

Intensity and longevity of skunk odor will depend on how close the object is to the skunk when it is sprayed. The closer the object is to the skunk, the higher the concentration of spray that will adhere. The following products were tested by a skunk spraying within one foot or with pure skunk spray.

Tomato Juice BUSTED The smell of tomatoes masked the scent and turned lighter colored fur on my dog pink.

Vinegar MINOR IMPROVEMENT Skunk spray is an oily substance that is non-polar. Vinegar is polar. The two substances repel each other just like oil and vinegar for salads, they just don't mix. The result is vinegar slightly removing oil from the fur similar to soap.

Enzyme solutions. MINOR/ MODERATE IMPROVEMENT Many skunk removal products exist on the market that work on the basis that enzymes will break down the organic material neutralizing the SPRAY. The process takes a few days to work; however, the odor is not fully removed.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda. MODERATE IMPROVEMENT The solution. oxidizes organic material, chemically altering the skunk spray. Peroxide will bleach your dog's fur and cannot be stored in a closed container because it could pressurize and explode; however, the solution was the best home remedy.
How to make the solution:
1. One quart hydrogen peroxide
2. ¼ cup of baking soda
3. Dog shampoo

Odorxit MODERATE IMPROVEMENT Its effectiveness was equivalent to hydrogen peroxide without the bleaching effect. I also found Odorxit effectively removes pet urine from carpets when applied to urine and vacuumed with a shop vac. Odorxit also provides customer support and a guarantee. OdorXit Guarantee

OdorXit Concentrate 16 ounce bottle


Click on the photo to learn more about this product

Striped Skunk scientific Name 

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mephitidae
Genus: mephitis
Species: mephitis Mephitis

Characteristics 

Striped Skunks are the most recognized species of the Genus mephitis. The English translation of mephitis is a foul or offensive odor, which is a fitting name for the pungent odor they are well known for. Fur colors and patterns are aposematic, which means bold colors used to ward off predators. The pattern of striped skunk's fur is predominantly black with a white hood on the head transitioning to a white stripe along each side of the back and ending with a black and white speckled fluffy tail. White stripes can vary greatly in thickness, occasionally giving the appearance of one single stripe. Texture, of the fur, is silky with a slight oily feel. The sex of a skunk cannot be determined by their fur pattern. Captive skunks have been bred to have a variety of colors including: solid white, solid black, silver gray, brown and cream.
Striped skunks are about the size of a domestic cat. Males are normally larger than females. The average weight of an adult ranges between 3-14 pounds. Combined head and body length can range from 22-32 inches with the tail being 6-12 inches. Striped Skunk have cone shaped heads containing small black eyes, and small ears that are barely discernable from it's fur. Their tooth structure is unique having 34 teeth, which contain only one pair of molars on the upper jaw and 2 pair of molars on the lower jaw, for a total of 6 molars. Despite their intense odor, striped skunks have a highly developed sense of smell, which is used to locate food supplies. It's hearing is good; however, their eyesight is limited. Striped skunk's legs are short and thick, giving them a low profile. Each foot has five toes. The claws are plantigrade meaning the front claws are longer than the rear claws. Longer front claws increase striped skunk's ability to dig in soil for shelter and food sources.

Striped skunk range and habitat 

Striped skunk can be found throughout North America ranging from central Canada through the United States and into northern Mexico. Being highly adaptable, striped skunk can live in a wide variety of climates and habitats. They prefer a habitat that contains open fields adjacent wooded areas near a water source. Since farmland, suburban and urban areas create prime habitat for striped skunk, they are often found dwelling in areas populated by humans. Population density of striped skunks can range from 0.7-18.5 per sq/km. The average density 1.8-4.8 per sq/km. Females have a home range around 270-915 acres.

Striped skunk life cycle 

Up to 90% of striped skunks die within the first year of life. If a skunk survives the first year, life expectancy can range from 2-6 years; however, captive skunks have been known to live from 10-15 years. Both male and female skunks reach sexual maturity at around ten months of age. Mating season is generally during February and March. Males are polygamous, mating with multiple females. During the mating season males will compete to breed with females. Competition and breeding during mating season normally results in an increase of skunk odor discharge, while males mark their territory and females ward off unwanted males. When the next Valentines season comes around, you'll know love is in the air when you smell skunk in the evenings. After mating, females have the ability to delay implantation of eggs. The ability to delay implantation can increase the probability of offspring survival in the event of extended winters. Gestation is approximately 77 days. At birth 1-10 baby skunks, known as kits are born averaging 1.1 ounces each. Born blind and deaf, kits will remain in the den for 1 to 1 ½ months feeding on the mother's milk. After weaning, kits will stay with it's mother for up to a year.

Striped skunk mortality 

Few animals prey on striped skunk. Occasionally mammals such as: coyotes, fox, bobcat, cougar, and domestic dogs, to the detriment of their owners, will prey on skunks. More frequently though large raptors will prey on skunks. Perhaps their poor sense of smell assists in their ability to palate such an odiferous meal. The great horned owl's nest often will smell of skunk due to it's dining habits. Unwanted odor around homes, and skunk's incompatibility with fast moving vehicles, has resulted in humans are the number one killer of skunks.

Striped skunk Diet 

Skunks are crepuscular feeders, meaning they eat during dawn and dusk. Being omnivores, skunks will eat a variety of plants and animals when the opportunity presents itself. Approximately 70% of their diet is insects including grubs, ants, and bees. Skunks will also eat a variety of other food sources such as: small mammals, fish, birds, crustacean, reptiles, nuts, fruit, and berries. During fall, skunks will increase their food intake significantly to prepare for winter. Although they do not hibernate, skunks will spend extended periods, sleeping in their den living off fat stores.

Books all nature and outdoor enthusiasts should have in their libraries 

If you love to learn about nature and the outdoors, I highly recommend the Audubon Society's field guide book series. The books are designed to be able to easily identify and learn about the natural world around you. I've used these books so frequelty that a few have periodically needed to be replaced because of wear and tear. They really did an excellent job writing the series.
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals: (Revised and Expanded) (National Audubon Society Field Guides)
National Audubon Society...
The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians
The National Audubon Soci...
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Seashore Creatures (National Audubon Society Field Guides)
National Audubon Society...
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Fishes
National Audubon Society...
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders (National Audubon Society Field Guides)
National Audubon Society...

Skunk video 

PBS created a documentary on skunks that is excellent
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/is-that-skunk/introduction/4514/

Skunk Prank

Very funny RATE PLEASE!!!

Runtime: 1:16
796624 views
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What do skunks and Valentines Day have in common? 

Love truly is in the air during Valentines Day, unfortunately love doesn't always smell like roses. The months of February and March are the breeding season for skunks. As Pepe le Pew searches for his true, love or multiple loves, his odiferous presence can appear to be everywhere. Skunks will travel long distances to find a mate. The increased mobility increases the chances a skunk may encounter a perceived threat. A skunks natural defense is its' spray. Male skunks may spray each other while competing for a female and females may spray a male who does not meet up to her standards. (Imagine what bars and clubs would smell like if women sprayed every guy with a bad pick up line!) If a skunk is surprised by you or your pet, the encounter can end in a shower of odor lasting weeks. Love can be fatal for a skunk. Often, when crossing roads in their travels, they are hit by vehicles, resulting in an odor sticking to vehicles no Christmas tree deodorizer could ever hide. Skunk odor can be recognized up to a mile away, so it does not take many occurrences in an area to make someone think they are getting over run by skunks. Some times love really does stink!

After breeding season, females will begin to look for a den suitable for raising their young. They will look for areas protected from the weather such as an old log, under large rocks, vacant burrows, and possibly under your shed or house. During February and March, it is wise to avoid skunks and prevent them from denning near areas frequented by people. Here are a few tips to prevent dealing with skunk spray.

If you have a crawl space under your house make sure there are no holes larger than a golf ball to prevent skunks from denning under your house.

Keep your trash or any food sources inside to deny food access.

If you notice any burrows in your yard, locate, fill with dirt, and cover with a heavy object all burrow entrances.

If you have any gaps between your shed and the ground, completely block the area with a heavy object like cinder blocks.

If there is an alive or dead skunk on the road and you can safely avoid it, do not run over it. Even a dead skunk's spray can stick to a vehicle for a long time.

When leaving a pet outside, especially at night, from a safe distance carefully look over the surrounding area your pet will be in before letting it outside.

If you are unfortunate and do have to deal with skunk spray continue reading for some helpful tips.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

About the author 

One of the most pungent experiences a dog owner can have is when your dog is sprayed by a skunk. Being a very active outdoorsman, with a loyal dog, and an unfortunate magnetic attraction to skunks; I have had multiple opportunities to learn the art of skunk odor removal. My wife learned of the attraction the first time the three of us went camping. We were ALL sprayed as my faithful friend jumped over us to scare a skunk that had gotten to close to us sleeping! Since then my wife has had the opportunity to also become skilled at the task of skunk odor removal. Many people have asked for help and information regarding the odiferous occasion. I hope you found my article helpful. If your dog was sprayed, I send my condolences. Although it's rough now, once your nose stops burning, you'll look back and see the humor in your four legged friends adventure..Good Luck!

What do you think about the site? 

If you still have questions or you think there is a way I can improve the article, please leave a message!

Lensmaster

aj2008 wrote...

We dont have skunks in the UK - I can just see our dog getting sprayed if we did!

ReplyPosted July 07, 2009

 
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DO YOU HAVE A GOOD SKUNK STORY? TELL US HERE! 

When a skunk moves in or when a skunk sprays either you or your pet, it's an occasion you'll never forget. The initial drama is normally not a laughing matter; however, when the smell begins to fade and the story is told again and again the humor begins to come out of the occasion. If you have a good story, we would love to have you share it with other readers! If you liked this page on skunks and would like to see more information added, please rate my page by clicking on the stars on the top of the page.

Lensmaster

jole wrote

Its a living thing, you should help it, ive gotten sprayed and i wont lie its terrible, really gross, but if you trapped it , you should help it.

Reply Posted July 01, 2009

Lensmaster

Chris wrote

My mom has been trapping squirrels in her yard and bringing them to wooded areas to let loose. Now this morning has cought a skunk in the trap and we are petrified and don't know what to do. We don't want to get sprayed, yet we want to let him loose in the woods. We've been reading to let him die in the cage, but how long does that take?

Reply Posted July 01, 2009

Lensmaster

TheresaMayhew wrote...

Our bloodhound was sprayed and it took forever to get the smell out. Poor, guy. We have skunks where we live and I can't imagine anything worse than that odor. We tried everything from tomato juice to baking soda.

ReplyPosted June 25, 2009

Lensmaster

Anne wrote

There werent enough characters to say this, but there was one upside, my little sister that screamed, when she screamed, the biggest skunk on the porch turned around and sprayed her right in the face!, yet i got it about 25 times, some in the hair, most in the face and some all over, so i still smell more. my mother was so mad she said, " why didnt you leave them alone" i dont know why they skunked me so many times (atleast one got my sis, she still stinks a little, but barley , i still smell terrible)

Reply Posted June 19, 2009

Lensmaster

Anne wrote

in reply to Emily Emily i hope you bathed right away, i got sprayed 3 weeks ago and the smell is still so bad, my eyes still water. OK so im walking out in the early morning to clean the pool, and on my way i see a big skunk, i tried to walk around it, and it sprayed me! rubbing my eyes, i try to walk again , and get sprayed 4 more times! i finnally finished cleaing the pool, and when im walking back sure enough the skunk is still there, turns around, and sprays me 2 more times! then , this is were it just gets unlucky, in the front yard, near the door there are 4 baby skunks, i think her babies. and they turn around and they all skunked me 2-3 times each! then on the porch is the mom again, and turns and gets me another few times, i reeked. so i got sprayed around 15 times, then my little sister comes out and screams, and they all spray me 2 more times! so thats about 25 skunkings! i didnt get in the tub until the next day, and i smell no different , i gag just about everyone around

Reply Posted June 19, 2009

Lensmaster

Emily wrote

last week i was walking my dog through the park when he started chasing something. he ran into the bushes when i suddenly smelled something extremely stinky. he came out of the bushes all covered with skunk spray. "pu!!!!!!" i literally screamed out loud, holding my nose. i went up to the bushes to see if the skunk was still there, and sure enough it was and its butt was pointed right at me. it sprayed me and i was so surprised i fell to the ground where it sprayed me at least ten more times. let me tell you, that is the worst smell in the world! pu!!!!!!! for some reason i couldn't get away, so all i could do was let it spray me for at least two minutes! when it was done it ran away and i got up, still plugging my nose. cautiously, i unpinched my nose and sniffed my self. Two words:

P

U

The worst smell ever. I smelled my dog. Phew! I held my nose again. we both were extremely stinky, pu!!
Up ahead there was a group of teenage girls who held their noses and said "pu!!" as well. P.U.

Reply Posted June 18, 2009

Lensmaster

Sara wrote

I was walking to the bus stop early one morning during a lightning storm, and a lightening bolt struck a telephone pole beside where I was walking. It startled me, and I pulled out my phone to call my husband to tell him why the power was suddenly out, and I as I was talking to him I looked toward the telephone pole to see a large skunk running directly at me. It chased me all the way up the street, and I was running and yelling into the phone and looking over my shoulder all at the same time. The poor thing must have been completely disoriented by the lightning strike, because I have never heard of a skunk actually chasing anybody before. Luckily it couldn't chase and spray at the same time!

Reply Posted June 09, 2009

Lensmaster

ash wrote

i have a really wierd skunk story...And before i even start, let me say, yes i did get sprayed. now i was outside that night getting the mail, and a skunk ran by, and i felt a burning mist all over my face, then i smelled something awful, so i turn on the porch light, and i saw a furry little skunk getting ready to spray again, and sure enough, he turns around and sprayed 2 more times, and runs off. extreamly stinky i went inside and went to bed. when i went ouside that morning to air out ( the shower didnt help) and then sure enough, theres the skunk shaking and screetching, turning around, and , ofcourse, sprayed me...again! lets say that happened alot that weekend, 3 more times it came out, sprayed me, and went away. i wont be having a date for a while, because one of my friends told me i smell like a suewer, and some more told me i just reek and everyone holds there nose wen im around :( or calls me ashly the skunk

Reply Posted May 27, 2009

Lensmaster

amanda wrote

i was driving home one night, when a bad smell filled my car, i thought something was wrong so i pulled over, and i walked to the hood, and the smell was so gross! then something shuffled by my feet, and its a huge skunk! so i jump back and it stomps, wipps around, and sprays me! and let me tell u, u dont know stink until a skunk sprays u in the face, julie i dont know how u took it like 8 times, from 2 big skunks and 6 babies, or watever! i reeked for 5 weeks, wen i got home, my mom said. " oh my god.-holding her nose) " what happened!" and i said " i was sprayed by a big skunk!" it was hell...

Reply Posted May 24, 2009

Lensmaster

julie wrote

I was in the park one day with my friend sasha, and we saw 2 big skunks and 6 little babies. so she says "julie look at the skunks!" and i said "there cute" then she said she would give me 25 dollars if i go and sit with them. i thought, no harm no foul, they wont spray if i dont scare them. so i went over and sat down, but then a bee started buzzing by my hair ,and im alergic to bees so i got soo scared, so i screamed and the bee flew away, but the 2 big skunks started stomping, and all of a sudden both turned around and sprayed my face! gagging and coughing, i trided to stand up and the 6 babies started spraying at me! it was not worth the money, because i reeked for 3 months. sasha was like "pew! u reek!" and i was like "they skunked me, all of them!" i went home and my parents said i reeked, they pinched there noses and had me take a bath, no help, i still stink a little too. lesson learned, no more skunks for me, id hate to get skunked again!

Reply Posted May 21, 2009

Lensmaster

kimmy57 wrote

a skunk made it's home under our cement front porch. W hired a man to come and get it out. The skunk was to smart to go in the live trap, so the guy put a trap that would kill it when it stuck it's head out the hole. The problem happeed when the skunk stuck his head out and got caught, but not killed. His rearend was facing our foundation which is the main wall in our basement (which is finished). The guy didn't come back til 3 pm the next day! 15 hours the skunk was spraying our hime. Every time a leaf woulod blow, or a bird would fly by, it would spray. No we cannot get rid of the smell. We took out as much dirt as we could, but there isn't much room. Any suggestions??

Reply Posted May 19, 2009

Lensmaster

stevie leonard wrote

skunks sprayed me in eyes, nostrils, and mouth eeewwww!!!!!!

Reply Posted April 30, 2009

Lensmaster

MLV in Colorado wrote

My sister who lives in South Jersey, let her golden retriever out when she got home late at night from work. He ran to the corner of the yard and started playing with what she thought was a cat while she talked with her neighbors. He then grabbed the "cat" in his mouth and proudly ran to my sister to show her his prize. When he was almost to the door, she saw it was actually a skunk. Needless to say, the dog got a full blast right in the mouth, my sister's door was sprayed as she slammed it shut in the dog's face, and the skunk ran off to safer pastures.

Reply Posted April 27, 2009

Lensmaster

Stevie Leonard wrote

a skunk sprayed me in my nostrils PPPPPPPPPPPPP.UUUUUUUUU

Reply Posted April 06, 2009

Lensmaster

Bodybychocolates wrote...

My Great Uncle had skunks where he was a boy as pets that where not desented and they would sleep by the fireplace. If they got in his moms way she would just sweep them out the door and they would never spray the family but let someone come around that gets out of line watch out!! There was a price to pay;-)

ReplyPosted February 17, 2009

Smell Ya Later 

A Close View of a Striped Skunk in the Foothills of Los Angeles



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