Anish Balan
1 min readMar 21, 2023

Skunk Spray Explained.

Why do skunks smell like the worst thing EVER?

Skunks are known for their strong and unpleasant odor, which is produced by a liquid they spray from glands near their anus as a defense mechanism against predators. The smell is a combination of sulfur-containing compounds, such as thiols and sulfides, that are present in the skunk's spray.

The reason why skunk spray smells so bad to us is because our noses are very sensitive to sulfur-containing compounds, which are often associated with rotten eggs, feces, and other unpleasant odors. Additionally, skunk spray is designed to be very potent and long-lasting, which helps to deter predators and give the skunk time to escape.

It's important to note that skunks are not naturally aggressive animals and will only use their spray as a last resort when they feel threatened. If you encounter a skunk, it's best to give it plenty of space and avoid startling it to avoid being sprayed.