Why do skunks smell so bad?
It all comes down to chemistry.
By the way, this video will include slow motion
footage of skunk anuses.
So, be warned.
I’m Anna Rothschild, and this is Gross Science.
There are a number of species of skunk in
the world, but the most iconic has to be the
striped skunk.
That’s the one that looks like Pepe Le Pew—it’s
all black, typically with one white line that
usually splits into two on its back.
And it can be found all over the United States
as well as northern Mexico and southern Canada.
Its latin name is Mephitis mephitis, which
appropriately enough means something like
foul stench or noxious vapor.
Obviously, that’s because the most defining
character of skunks is their defensive spray,
which can cause watery eyes, nausea, and leave
you smelling terrible.
The chemical makeup of the spray is different
depending on the species, but all of them
contain special types of compounds called
“thiols.”
Thiols, also known as “mercaptans,” are
a type of chemical group made up of a sulfur
and hydrogen atom bonded together.
And they typically smell really strongly.
There are actually three different thiols
in striped skunks spray, and two of those
are the main contributors to the awful odor.
But three other molecules in the spray are
what are called “thioacetates.”
Those compounds don’t have a strong scent,
but they can easily become thiols when they’re
exposed to water.
And that might explain why a pet that gets
sprayed may start to smell skunky again after
a bath.
Now, skunk musk is produced by anal scent
glands—which actually, lots of mammals have,
though most aren’t quite this exciting.
When a skunk sprays, nipple-like protrusions
called papillae come out of the anus and squirt
the musk at the target.
The bad news is they can squirt a distance
of about 10 feet, and are uncannily good at
hitting their mark.
The good news is that skunks really don’t
want to spray unless they have to, and adults
usually give warning signals beforehand.
Striped skunks will hiss, stomp, and raise
their tails before spraying.
And spotted skunks will even do a handstand.
But, what should you do on the off-chance
that you wind up covered in musk?
Well, definitely don’t use tomato juice—that’s
just a myth.
Instead, use something that converts the thiol
into a different type of compound.
Some scientists suggest using a mixture of
dilute hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and
a little liquid soap, which will oxidize the
thiol and turn it into a sulfonic acid.
But be careful, because it could dye your
hair or pet fur.
Anyway, despite their terrible reputation,
some skunks have actually been domesticated,
and people say they make really cute and affectionate
pets.
But if you do want a pet skunk, make sure
you know how to take care of it and get one
from a breeder.
Grabbing one from the woods is not at all
nice for the skunk.
And it would probably let you know that by
squirting you with an anal gland full of noxious
musk.
Ew.
