How far can a skunk spray?

Skunks are legendary for their powerful predator deterrent, a hard to remove & horrible smelling spray. A skunk's spray is an oily liquid produced by glands under its large tail. To employ this scent bomb, a skunk turns around and blasts its foe with a foul mist that can travel as far as ten feet (three meters). Interestingly, these animals cannot spray and bite simultaneously.

Have you ever seen a skunk? Tell us in the comments below!

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

221 Comments

Sonny Beaudoin

This question stinks!

Clarence Todd

only if you are closer than ten feet

Raven Berlowitz

I live in the midwest and skunks are common. Having been raised on a farm I can tell you they spray 10 feet with remarkable accuracy but they spray a good 25 feet. The author of this question needs to do more research.

Susan Clark

I HAVE SEEN THIS HAPPEN. A skunk had delivered babies in my Feed room. I always looked for her and managed to stay on her good side. A dumb Male friend of mine decided she had to go. and tried to run her out with a very long stick. as I was stand about 20 feet from her. She had gotten to the door or the feed room. and she kelpt looking back at me. As I was begging the friend Just to leave her alone. She sprayed him, and then ran out the door.I laughed until I almost cried. After being sprayed He took her babies and set them on the ground outside the Feed room. The Next morning She was back with Her Babies in a corner under a table. I left her alone. about 5 weeks later, She and her family was gone on their own. Just for safety I always Knocked loud and announced my arrival before entering the Barn.I think she was just eating eggs. we had so many chickens we didn't miss them. She didn't bother the Chickens.

James Vetzel

My Mother had a "Pet" (Baby) Skunk that she found in the woods and had it "De-Sented". The Skunk and the House Cats got along well (but it took some time).

Scott Mitchell

The odor travels much farther than the spray, Mr. Clarence.

Henry Ford 1889

Raven Berlowitz, agreed 100 %

Rae Ann Randall

James Vetzel, 😍

Rae Ann Randall

Raven Berlowitz, 😂👍

Rae Ann Randall

Sonny Beaudoin, 😂😂😂 I guessed 30' because you can smell a skunk a mile away!!!😂

Chrissie

Veronica Bowen, maybe if the pair of you had walked away rather than taking a gun to the beast (why??) it wouldn't have felt the need to turn and spray.

joycekingsmith

We got 'em in South Carolina. Never seen one but you know when they're in the vicinity.

starhawkmage

I'm in Arizona. Once a skunk got into my back yard and my dog started barking at it. If I hadn't seen it myself, my mom and I would have been sprayed point blank.

galambos

all I know there is nothing worse than a dog wanting in the house after they have been sprayed. I used to keep big cans of tomato juice on hand just for that purpose. That goes times 3 since they all would go out together. One was smart enough to go to the creek and roll around trying to wash it off.