A spray from a skunk is extremely unpleasant but will cause no actual harm to its victim. It can be an eye irritant causing temporary blindness or discomfort and also can be a unpleasant irritant on the skin. Once a skunk sprays a pet and object or clothing the smell and oils can be difficult to remove and linger for several days.

Skunks are opportunistic when it comes to both food and shelter. skunks will usually nest in burrows created by other animals, inside of hollow logs, inside of pipes or culverts, under decks, under buildings, inside of abandoned buildings or sheds. Skunks have a very diverse diet they are crepuscular meaning they are most often seen at dusk and dawn and feed primarily at night. Skunks feed on grubs, insects, worms, larvae, plants, fruits, pet food, garbage, mice, small rodents, poultry and eggs.

The average female skunk will give birth to between 1 and young each year. These skunks average life span will be about 3 years. The average size of a skunks body is 8 to 19 inches with a tail measuring 5 to 15 inches. An average skunks weight is between 7 and 8 pounds.