Warning Signs a Skunk Might Give Before It Sprays

Skunks are black and white mammals that are about the same size as a domestic house cat. Their primary means of personal defense is a pair of scent glands located beneath their tails. They can force out an oily spray that at short range is capable of temporarily blinding or making the target quite ill; at longer range, skunk spray can just make you smell horrible.

  1. The Face Off

    • A skunk who has babies, a den nearby or just a good meal may look at you steadily without moving. This means that she isn't going anywhere, and she isn't giving way so you can walk through or past where she is standing. This is a good time to quietly move away.

    The Stamp

    • The skunk drums her little front feet on the ground. She is escalating the warning. This means "Go away RIGHT NOW! Don't make me mad!"

    The Tail Quirk

    • The skunk lifts her beautiful black and white tail, and holds it up tensely with a bit of a quirk at the end. The drumming may continue. She is now signally in no uncertain terms, you should go away.

    Presenting the Rear

    • The skunk whirls around, and presents its fanny to the target. This is a fast maneuver, and probably means it is too late to avoid being sprayed. However, there is still time to look away and move rapidly to another area, thus avoiding the full brunt of the smelly oil.