Gretchen Messersmith's Skunk Odor Removal Update Skunk Revelations Looking at Skunks in a Different Light Generally weighing between six and ten pounds, skunks are members of the weasel family. In North America, those with skunk phobias will find there are four different species of skunk that roam freely - striped, hooded, spotted and hognosed, which happens to be the most rare variety. In most areas, people are likely to spot the typical striped skunk, which is the variety many know and love thanks to cartoon character Pepe Le Pew. Like Pepe, the average skunk is not the most beloved of woodland creatures. The striped variety grows up to about 30 inches in length and is noted for its distinct black and white coloration. They tend to stake out their own territories - averaging up to about 40 acres a skunk. In the wild, skunks thrive on an omnivorous diet that would make most humans squirm. In addition to plant life, skunks like to make a dinner out of creepy, crawling bugs. Why Are Skunks Important? Believe it or not, skunks actually serve a valuable purpose in the grand scheme of things. While they are not loved for their smells, their appetites make them rather useful - unless they get into farmer's crops. So, what do they eat that makes them so special? Skunks have a penchant for eating what humans generally characterize as pests. They enjoy noshing on mice, most especially in the colder months, beetles, worms, wasps directly in their hives, bees and even grubs, crickets and beetles. Other pests they're known to enjoy when they can get them include rats, rabbits and other small animals. Much of their diet actually consists of insect larvae that are considered harmful to crops, garden and yard plants. Unless they happen to have a hankering for plant life at a particular time, their diets make them fairly useful to have around. On the plant front, they will eat almost anything, but seem to have a particular interest in berries and other tasty treats. Why Do They Smell So Badly? The simple answer to that question is to protect from other animals that see them as snacks. Skunks, while fairly useful in the environment, do have a number of natural predators from larger furry mammals right up to humans. The story of the skunk in the wild and in contact with humans does not necessarily paint the prettiest of pictures for this species. Although they are known to have a lifespan of about a decade, most do not survive in the wild for more than three years. With the ability to only give birth to a single litter of four to six young a year, skunks have to rely on that scent to protect them. The actual smell comes from a chemical that has been named N- bulymercaptan. It is released from glands in the rear of the animal, under the tail. These glands can hold enough for about six full-blown sprays, but it is important to note skunks are not generally aggressive animals. In the wild, skunks are known mostly to reserve attacks for when they are cornered or feel their young are threatened. Even then, they will try to scare off predators with other means first before lifting their tails and spraying. Why Do Humans Have Conflicts With Skunks? Although skunks serve a valuable purpose in the big picture, sometimes their habitats and habits come into conflict with humans and their pets. When this is the case, it generally either ends poorly for the skunk or the humans and their pets. These slow-moving, poorly sighted creatures can and do roam at all hours of the day and night, but they prefer evening hours. They tend to live within ground dens, but sometimes choose garbage dumps, woodpiles or digging dens under buildings. Skunks and humans tend to come to blows when the animals choose to burrow under homes and other buildings. They are also known for foraging in garbage, getting into bird feedings, rummaging through compost pits and digging holes in laws, gardens and golf courses. When conflicts do occur, humans can take a few measures to discourage a skunk's return without damaging the animal. The smartest things include making sure to never feed skunks, keeping pet food indoors, securing garbage and making sure any foundational holes under a house are filled in or sealed off. Ammonia and cayenne pepper can discourage skunks from rummaging through garbage; cayenne can help with compost. What To Do When Good Skunks Go Bad Sometimes when humans or their pets and skunks do come together, the outcome doesn't go so well for those of the non-skunk persuasion. If a skunk is startled or feels threatened, it will spray. If this has happened, there are some ways to help clean up a human, a cat, dog or even a house if the critter slipped in through an open door, window or pet entry and exit point. A number of different skunk odor removal products are available on the market that can help with cleaning up people, pets and houses. Some ideas for do-it-yourself cleaners include a mix of peroxide, baking soda and liquid hand or dish soap. Soak the person or animal in the mix and then rinse off. Repeat if necessary. The same mix works well on furniture, but do not forget to change air conditioning filters if the scent has gotten into the air. Also, a mix of feminine douche products in the powdered form and water has an effect on the smell. If skunk removal is desired, it is best to call local authorities to make sure any rules and regulations are followed. In some cases, it might be illegal to kills, trap or relocate without the authorities being involved. Skunks might have a reputation that stinks, but the reality is these creatures are much more docile and useful than many people realize. Just in trying to go about the business of living, they unfortunately come into occasional contact with people who don't appreciate their sweet smelling dispositions.