Striped Skunk
The best known and most distinctive feature of the Skunk is the great development of
their anal scent glands, which they can use as a defensive weapon. They have two
glands, on either side of the anus, that produce a mixture of sulfur-containing chemicals
that has a highly offensive smell. The odor of the fluid is strong enough to ward off Bears
and other potential attackers, and can be difficult to remove from clothing. Muscles
located next to the scent glands allow them to spray with high accuracy as far as 2 to 3
metres (7 to 10 ft). The smell aside, the spray can cause irritation and even temporary
blindness, and is sufficiently powerful to be detected by even an insensitive human nose
anywhere up to a mile downwind. Most predatory animals of the Americas, such as
Wolves, Foxes and Badgers, seldom attack Skunks - presumably out of fear of being
sprayed. The exception is the Great Horned Owl, the Skunk's only serious predator.
