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Why do skunks smell bad? |
Creature Features
The yucky smell associated with skunks is not actually the skunks themselves but in fact is a special kind of spray the skunk is capable of releasing as a form of self-defense! Skunks release their spray from an area below their tails and can spray a target from a distance of ten feet!
A skunk’s musk contains smelly chemicals; most people (and animals!) who have smelled it before know to avoid angering or scaring a skunk in the interest of avoiding the stink! Aside from being smelly, the spray can cause sick feelings like headaches, burning in the eyes, or throwing up, and the yucky smell that comes with it can be hard to get rid of.
Because it’s in your best interest to avoid getting sprayed, it’s a good idea to always stay away if you see a skunk. Pew!
Getting skunky!
A skunk's musk is its way of defending itself against other animals. Can you think of any other animals who have special forms of self-defense?
One example would be a porcupine and his spikes! To keep other animals away, a porcupine can curl up into a ball and display his quills!
Another good example are turtles and snails who can curl up and hide in their shells!
What other examples can you think of??
