2006-06-13 18:37:36 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
Skunks usually do not smell bad. However, if they feel they are in danger, they have a secret weapon. Under their tails, skunks have two little sacs in which there is an oily liquid. They spray the threatening person or animal with the liquid. This liquid smeels terrible. The smell can last for days or even weeks. if it gets on the skin or in the eyes of a person or animal, it can burn and even cause blindness. So, remeber to leave if you see a skunk dance..
2006-06-13 18:51:10 · answer #1 · answered by weelim 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
A skunk's only defense is a familiar noxious odor created by a sulfuric acid that can be "fired" from either of two independently operating anal glands. Contrary to popular myth, striped skunks cannot spray over their backs. However, spotted skunks do have the unique ability to spray while doing a handstand. Skunks have a limited supply of ammunition; they don't waste their defensive spray, because they can't "reload" very quickly. Instead, they stamp their front feet as a warning when threatened, giving ample opportunity for an intruder to back off.
2006-06-14 03:21:32 · answer #2 · answered by Smilez 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Skunk smell bad as a form of protection against their enemies
2006-06-14 02:07:19 · answer #3 · answered by ingwe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many animals have a musk gland which gives off an odor. Sometimes the odor is used to attract the opposite sex. Sometimes it is used to mark a territory to tell other animals to stay away. But the skunk has such a strong smell, that it uses it to drive away animals that may try to attack the skunk.
2006-06-14 01:43:12 · answer #4 · answered by visionssofaraway 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not the skunk that smells, but the animal spraying its urine from its glads that causes the the awful smell. All skunks have the ability to spray to warn off potential enemies or threats. It sure works great, does'nt it? :)
2006-06-14 01:47:52 · answer #5 · answered by crazyquestion47 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I'm 1 in a million who actually likes the smell of skunk, believe it or not.
They use their smell to defend themselves.
2006-06-14 01:49:29 · answer #6 · answered by wonderwoman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every answer I've read is right on the money, skunks do not smell bad it's their musk spray that protects them that does, as to why, they don't have fangs or sharp claws nor are they big enough to intimidate.
2006-06-14 01:50:22 · answer #7 · answered by moonnightsoar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Defense.
2006-06-14 01:45:47 · answer #8 · answered by dizzy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To protect themselves. Did you know that folks use to call skunks polecats?
2006-06-14 01:47:37 · answer #9 · answered by luvitiam 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They smell bad only when they are scared and/or need to scare away somebody.
2006-06-14 01:41:20 · answer #10 · answered by Amber 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋