What smells like a skunk? What does the smell look like? How to get rid of it?

In the world there are many animals, meetings with which a person would like to avoid. Skunk is one of them. However, it should be noted that by nature skunks are rather friendly and kind beings. They are in great contact with people, they can quickly become pets and pets. If, of course, not one "BUT". Their smell. What smells like a skunk and why? This question is asked by so many people. Let's try to work out what's what and why.

Varieties of skunks. Habitat

Currently, there are three types of skunks. All of them live in America. Someone in the South, someone in the North, another in the Central. Skunks differ in appearance, hence the name of the species. The striped skunk has characteristic strips on the back. There are still spotted and five-point animals. What smells like a skunk? Each species smells quite the same, as experts say.

Skunk is a peaceful creature

However, do not think that as soon as you approach the skunk, it will give you a poisonous stream. These animals are pretty peaceful, only in case of danger they will resort to extreme measures. Before a poisonous "flash", the skunk raises its tail, stomps its feet. Time to escape from you will be certain, the main thing - to follow the behavior of the animal.

The fetid liquid in the skunk is in the glands located under the tail. There are two. In case of danger, the skunk can use one jet, and can release five or six "ammunition" into the offender at once. In this case, the jet can reach a distance of up to three meters.

Danger of caustic secretion

The secret given out by skunks is a rather caustic and hazardous substance. What does the scent smell look like? In most cases, it is compared with the smell of sulfur, since the secret of the animal consists of sulfur-organic compounds. Ethanethiol and butyl mercaptan are its main components. These substances not only very unpleasant smell, but also differ in toxicity. From their impact, one can easily become dizzy. People who are too susceptible to pungent smells, can generally faint. Substances in the secret form act as a tear gas. They can also cause nausea, vomiting and lacrimation.

What do skunks smell like?

Very many people who have never encountered these animals, but only heard about their abilities, always want to find out what resembles the scent of a skunk. Each person, it should be noted, the answer will be completely different. Basically, of course, the answer is - sulfur. Hydrogen sulphide, which is part of the secret compounds, gives an obvious smell, which you can not be confused with anything.

But there are other answers to the question about what the skunk smells like. Someone compares the smell of the secret of this animal with the smell of a rotten egg (again, hydrogen sulphide, but in a folksy form). Some say that the "incense" of the skunk resembles the smell of burnt rubber or foul garlic. There are even those who say that the skunk smells of decaying flesh and spoiled meat.

There are a lot of associations associated with the smell of a skunk. And if you ask people who live in America, who often contact with these animals, about what it is - the smell of a skunk, analogs exist in other animals or not, they will surely answer unequivocally: no. There are many animals in nature that have an unpleasant smell - bugs, beetles, birds. But there are no analogues, such unpleasant as a skunk, a caustic and vile smell, no one else.

How to get rid of the smell of a skunk

The secret given out by skunks is not only sour and "killer" smells, but it is also very persistent if it gets on clothes. In its color, the substance is completely invisible, but by the smell ... We have already figured out what the skunk smells. And now imagine such an "aroma" on your clothes. It is almost impossible to deduce it.

Traditionally, it was believed that tomatoes are good for removing the "scent" of a skunk. Yes, it was tomatoes that were often used by Americans to wash things that hit the jet. However, after several washings, if the thing was still suitable for sock, it acquired a strong tomato smell. Some argue that the smell was rotten tomatoes, which is still "better."

Thanks to the modern industry that produces household chemicals and detergents, removing the smell from clothes has become much easier and easier. You can use chlorine bleach, which not only well corrodes the secret, but also eliminates the pungent smell of clothing. But there will be some problems with rinsing. The smell of bleach, as is known, will also be called unpleasant by many, and this method will not be chosen.

Another option is hydrogen peroxide. Experts call this method optimal. And traces of excretions are removed from the tissue quickly, and the smell disappears completely. Plus hydrogen peroxide - no pungent smell, like chlorine, and ease of rinsing.

I must say skunks - the animals are very beautiful, fluffy and good-natured. Go to the zoo or go to America to admire them, definitely worth it. But at the same time remember that to observe the "fragrant" beauty is better from afar.