Professor William Wood of Humboldt State University examined the chemical properties of skunk spray samples. He discovered several new compounds in the skunk spray, including a thiol. A thiol is a type of sulfur-based compound found in garlic and onions.
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An animal control officer found what she thought was a rabid skunk. It was spraying itself, yelling, biting everything. They needed to preserve the head and send it to the lab. They decided to shoot it in the neck with a gun. The spark from the gun ignited the skunk. We were baffled. Now I realize that the skunk had spray all over her body which is what ignited. There was an instant one foot tall blame which we had to extinguish.
I wanted a skunk when I was a kid and I nagged my parents relentlessly till I got one…A lovely adult female named Honey whose owners had lost interest in.
She was an extremely gentle and friendly animal who loved resting in a lap and being petted.
I’d have another but I live in a skunk unfriendly state now. (NC)
I truly do love skunks and it’s a shame that they and rats (which also make awesome pets) are so misunderstood.
I’m really tired of all the nature shows on big carnivores and reptiles.
It’s time to focus on species you have never focused on before.
The skunk is a great start.
I agree with you Daci. How does that saying go, oh ya (skunks need love too.) My skunk Lacie doesn’t smell at all.
We live with a few non-descended skunks and many descended skunks. We educate humans on Skunk Awareness and teach them skunks do not spray just like that. Skunks give warning signs before they spray such as stomping, and fluffing their bodies up to make them bigger than what they are. They are peaceful animals and show no fear.
We love our skunks with their scent sac’s or with out! Thank you to all who made this film happen and the stars of the film, the SKUNKS!!!
We hope more people take a positive interest in our skunks.
It is quite amazing the way people go on about how awful the smell of Skunk scent is. In the real world of nasty smells Skunk is pretty innocuous. As Professor Wood has discovered, it reminds me of garlic and onion, and has the same burning effect on the eyes and skin. It is of course stronger smelling and more pungent.
For a real gut retching smell, try rotting flesh!
When you stop and really think about it, this is quite amazing. An animal with its own built-in defense. Its something to marvel at, not destroy out of fear. Personally, I don’t think the smell is as bad as some smells that come from the human world.
Had a yuckster boss, come to work to see a drop(skunkish) on my pristine lab bench…never again when he pulled hanky from his labcoat pocket at lunch! ;-)) As for big carnivores: More!!That’s the thrill of science, you can never know it all. Re lions: what causes some females to go rogue and kill lion cubs?
I have been teaching people in California, as well as around the nation, how to coexist with skunks, through the media, outreach programs, and on my SKUNKS Scentral web site http://www.StinkyBusiness.org. Trapping and relocating or killing skunks does not solve the problems people have with them, but removing pet food and close off under their house does. By the way, I’ve never been sprayed by a skunk and have dealt with every skunk situation imaginable. It actually takes a LOT to get a skunk to spray. I teach animal control officers and other people that have encounters with them how not to get sprayed. That’s one of the reasons why I’m writing the book “The Skunk Whisperer” . . .
Did some one write down the recipe for getting rid of the smell? I would love to have it on file.
I’m with Lacy—–DID SOMEONE WRITE IT DOWN FOR GETTING RID OF SMELL? I got hydrogen peroxide 3%, baking soda, water BUT DON’T KNOW THE RATIOS—I also know NOT TO GET IT IN THE EYES OF PETS and rinse after 5 minutes—-NEED TO KNOW HOW MUCH OF EACH INGREDIENT TO MIX—–HELP!!!! Thank you!
I would also like the recipe for getting rid of the skunk smell. I tried to write it down but didn’t get
all of it. My dogs have been sprayed in the past & nothing worked very well. thanks!
same as above didnt get the ratios of the ingredents for the skunk rinse
One 16 ounce bottle of hydrogen peroxide and about a quarter cup of baking soda with about a teaspoon of soap. I usually go 50/50 and make a paste (easier to work in and the liquid does not run away so fast). Thanks for including Humboldt State in the program! (although I had more of a problem with Raccoons in Arcata than skunks).
Paul Kreabaum, an Illinois Chemist actually discoverd the formula for the removal of skunk spray.
It is:
1 quart 3% peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 tsp. liquid dish detergent
Mix gently in an open container never placing a lid on the container, the formula generates gases that expand. Use mixture on pet and let sit five minutes before rinsing. You can shampoo after rinsing if you care to.
Discard any unused formula, always use a fresh mixture.
Never get formula in the eyes of your pet. I use a washcloth around the face area.
Always for the Animals,
Sandie
Not about skunks but about smells. I have a cat with separation anxiety and she urinates on the basement floor if I go out of town. I’ve tried scouring down the area with enzymatic cleaners but it still smells. I wondered if this mixture would work and/or if there would be a problem using it indoors in an area with a furnace and a water heater. Thoughts?
Anne
You can use this to clean areas a pet may have rubbed against such as furniture, walls and rugs. Tes it can be used inside as a cleaner. I have used this mixture for other purposes such as cleaning a urine spot and it has worked well. Always be careful when using peroxide on dark fabrics as it may lighten them. Test when you can. Just mix a small amount to try then dispose of it.
Wow… years ago I used to run a web site about skunks & possums but had to give that up. Just about everyone in these videos is familiar to me however I’ve never seen their faces before. — Glad to see they’re all still at it.
Loved the show, and got the formula. We will be ready next time.
J Firmess;
I contacted you a couple of years ago. Glad to see you are still around also.
I am really curious to know what it actually smells like. My guess is that it is something like the smell of pee after eating asparagus, but much, much stronger. Is there anywhere I can get “essence of skunk”?
if skunk sprayed a person would the person smell
it smells like rotten eggs, burnt rubber, urin, sewer, sulfur, and onions! EEEEEEWWWWWW IT STINKS!!!!!