You don’t have to see a skunk spray something or someone to know that it’s happened. It’s easy to tell just from the scent in the air. Have you ever wondered how far skunks can spray? Let’s find out.
True Tales
Before a skunk sprays, it gives humans and other animals a heads-up. But how do they provide any warnings? What should people watch out for?
Skunks show their annoyance or fear in a few different ways. The first thing to keep an eye on is their tail. Have you ever seen a frightened cat? If so, you know that felines' tails become extra fluffy, making their bodies seem bigger. The same is true for these nocturnal animals! If you encounter a skunk whose tail is erect and has extra-voluminous fur, beware!
Charge!
If a bull was charging toward you, what would you do? Would you run as fast as you could to get away from it? The opposite reaction is proper for how to handle a quickly advancing skunk. Another warning they give to back off before they spray is to charge forward. If you find yourself in this situation, slowly and steadily move as far away as possible.
Skunks can only see a few feet in front of them. Sudden movements might trigger a fear response, resulting in it spraying. They prefer to use scare tactics to prevent having to use their limited-edition perfume. While skunks have enough musk to release about half a dozen blasts, it takes several days to replenish.
Who Can Bear the Smell?
It might be hard to imagine that an animal that weighs under 20 pounds can fend off another weighing several hundred pounds. If a skunk stood up, it would only reach one and a half to three feet tall. A bear, on the other hand, stands between roughly six to 10 feet tall. Interestingly enough, a skunk has a much higher chance of winning a battle against a bear!
Why? Well, skunk spray is highly pungent. The obnoxious odor is too strong for a bear’s stellar sense of smell. Dogs are applauded for their ability to sniff out even the faintest scents. Bears, however, go above and beyond. On average, they can pick up an aroma from up to 20 miles away!
Slam Dunk
Imagine that a skunk has tried hissing, growling, stamping its paws, charging, and lifting its tail upright. Yet, a person or other animal still hasn't taken the hint that it's time to leave. What's a skunk to do? After all the efforts above fail, it's time to spray the problem away and get to safety.
One spray travels the same distance as a basketball from the floor to the hoop. Like a pro player, skunks aim their shot with amazing accuracy. Unlike a ball game, playing around with one of these nocturnal mammals isn't fun. If wind speeds are high, the oily substance travels up to another five feet or so, netting a 15-foot reach. The odor spreads out and covers up to three and a half miles traceable to human noses.
Does Tomato Juice Help?
One remedy you’ve likely heard of is using tomato juice to get rid of the sulfuric aftereffects. Does it work, though? Well, kind of. This solution only masks the odor. Save your ketchup for some hot French fries, too. Unfortunately, tomato-based baths won’t help eliminate skunk spray residue on your dog.
The chemical compounds seep into your pet’s skin and need something more substantial for removal. Fast action is the key. If possible, keep your pet outside while you clean them after an unfortunate incident like this. Otherwise, your house may end up reeking for days or even weeks!
Fresh and Clean
You might wonder what else you can try instead of using tomato juice. One option is to purchase a ready-made skunk spray remover. They can be pricey and aren’t always easy to find. The good news is that you can make an effective shampoo that neutralizes the awful smell at home!
Before you begin, take a few safety precautions. Wear gloves and protect your clothing. Always check with your veterinarian before using any chemicals on your dog or cat. Get professional help to learn the right combination and amounts to use. Your pet will thank you for considering its safety when making such important decisions.
Conclusion
How far can skunks spray? They can hit a target that’s between 10 and 15 feet away! The smell is unmistakable and easily picked up for a few miles from where the musk was released. If you or your pet meets one of these furry critters, it will display obvious warning signs before spraying. Play it safe, and back away slowly and steadily.
Skunks are the most active after dark. Use a strong light source to deter these mammals from coming around, especially if you are outside when they are. If a skunk sprays your dog, clean their coat immediately. Contact your veterinarian for safety tips and advice before using any chemicals on your pet.
