Why do skunks smell so bad?

We’ve all seen a skunk at one time or another, either close up or from faraway, or in some unfortunate cases, as roadkill. He’s even a suave, French speaking lover in a popular Saturday morning cartoon. These normally docile mammals are often found roaming the backstreets and allies of cities and towns looking for a quick snack in an overturned garbage can or scrounging for dog or cat food left uneaten by neighborhood pets. Some skunks are even bolder and will take up residence in peoples’ backyards. Most North American skunks have long black fur with a distinctive white stripe (or stripes) running from the top of their head to their tip of their very bushy tails. But even more memorable is the skunk’s incredibly potent and offensive odor - or musk - delivered in copious amounts when the animal is agitated or startled.

There are close to a dozen known skunk species in the western hemisphere and in Central and South America. The species most widely observed in North America is called the “common” skunk, “wood pussy” or “polecat”. Most skunks sport striped or spotted fur patterns, although there are some whose coloring is brown, grey, blond, and in a few cases, white or albino. All have the ability to spray to warn off potential enemies or threats. They live on a diet of small rodents, insects, eggs, birds and plants and their activities are primarily nocturnal. Skunks mate once a year, the female producing a litter of between 2-10 babies and after a gestation period of 40-72 days. They reach a size similar to that of a large cat and achieve a body weight that averages from 1-6 kilograms. A group of skunks will congregate together in a den for the winter, but they don’t hibernate, rather they settle into what is called a winter sleep.

Chemists have determined that there are 7 distinct compounds that make up skunk musk. The major ingredients are called “thiols”, which are created by decomposing proteins. Skunk musk has evolved to resemble the stench other animals identify as decay and that they naturally shy away from. Two of the most potent compounds responsible for the musk’s strong odor are: butene-1-thiol (sometimes called Butyl Mercaptan) and methyl-1-butanethiol. The remaining elements are either slower acting thioacetates or are ones that are not readily indentifiable in nature or as man-made compounds.

Household pets are usually the unfortunates who end up getting sprayed by a skunk. When this happens, Fifi is banned from the house for a number of days, or even weeks, and after dozens of baths in tomato juice or coffee grounds. Even then, the sickening scent will linger for months and often recur in a mild form if it’s damp or rainy.

So what’s the most effective way to eliminate skunk musk? Experts say that the tomato juice bath is not necessarily the best solution. Why? It has to do with something called “olfactory fatigue”, a natural condition where, when bombarded with potent doses of a very strong or foul odor, the olfactory system adjusts. Simply put, you get used to the horrible stink after a while. Now all you can smell is the tangy aroma of the tomato juice that you’re pouring over poor Fifi. If your neighbour should happen to come over, however, she’d be the first to pinch her nose and point out that Fifi still stinks to high heaven --of skunk, not of tomato juice.

Other so called tried-and-true skunk musk deodorising recipes are baths using vanilla extract, vinegar, orange juice, certain laundry soap or mouthwash brands, and other dubious-sounding solutions. Your best bet is to call your veterinarian or the local pet store and find out about any safe, commercial solutions available. Home-made remedies can very often irritate the skin, the eyes, and even discolour your pet’s fur. One solution that seems to work very effectively was invented by chemist Paul Krebaum, in 1993 -- mix 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap. Use the entire amount immediately and rinse the animal off with warm tap water. Most pet owners have been happily impressed by the immediate and complete success of this simple skunk musk deodorizer.