Why does a skunk smell? Detailed answer

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Why does a skunk smell? Detailed answer

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Why does a skunk smell?

If there is an animal in the world that you would not want to be at all, then it is most likely a skunk. However, the skunk is a friendly creature and quickly becomes a pet. What makes the animal so unpopular? Of course, this is his famous smell.

Why does a skunk smell? It turns out that he has special odorous glands that contain a fetid liquid. Skunk releases it with amazing accuracy.

Two glands are located under the tail. The animal aims at its enemy and shoots out a jet of liquid that can hit at a distance of 2,7 m and even more. Sometimes a skunk works with only one gland, sometimes with both. Each of them contains "ammunition" for 5-6 shots.

The jet has a suffocating effect, and therefore, being nearby, it is impossible to breathe. And if the liquid gets into the eyes, it can lead to temporary blindness!

But a skunk won't "hit" without warning. At first, he raises his tail or stomps his feet, so you have enough time to run away.

Since skunks have been farmed and their fur has been used, the scent glands have been removed for obvious reasons.

Now there are three types of skunks: striped, spotted and spotted. They live in North, Central and South America. The striped skunk has a white stripe from the nose to the short ears, another one starts on the neck and splits into two on the back. Striped skunks live from Canada to Mexico. The largest has a length of 76 cm and a 23 cm tail and weighs 13 kg.

The front paws of the animal are armed with long claws, with which it pulls out insects and their larvae from the ground. If you suddenly see many small holes on the ground, this most likely means that a skunk has passed through here.

Skunks bring many benefits to humans, as they feed mainly on beetles, crickets, wasps, grasshoppers, rodents, and even snakes.

Author: Likum A.

Random interesting fact from the Great Encyclopedia:

Why are trees decorated for Christmas?

The Christmas tree is a symbol of good spirit in the house. The Christmas tree is just such a tradition and such a custom, and not a religious rite. The tradition comes from Germany and dates back to the time when prehistoric people worshiped trees - especially evergreen ones. These trees did not die for the winter and their foliage or needles did not fall off, which seemed to be a symbol of immortality. Christians have changed the tradition, associating it with the veneration of Christ.

The northern countries - the peoples of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, where there are vast forests, have a tradition of bringing small trees into the house for Christmas. This tradition did not spread to England until the German Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha married Queen Victoria. Prince Albert installed the first decorated Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in 1841.

The first Christmas tree was brought to the New World by Hessian soldiers in 1776 during the American Revolution. Later, immigrants from Germany spread this tradition widely in the United States. Many Christmas decorations with Christian symbols, used today, were originally pagan symbols. In their religious ceremonies, the Romans used flowers, branches with leaves, ivy and laurel for decoration. Druids perpetuated the tradition of hanging mistletoe on the house. Ancient Celtic priests believed that this tree is a symbol of hope and peace.

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Random news from the Archive

Stonehenge's true origin revealed 13.04.2018

British archaeologist Mike Pitts found out that two large stones that are part of the Stonehenge megalithic structure were originally located on the plain near Salisbury.

Previously, it was believed that all sandstone boulders (sarsen) were brought from another place. Since the 70s, scientists have been convinced that the sarsens used to build the megalith were moved from Marlborough Downs, which is 35 kilometers from Stonehenge. However, it remained a mystery why the creators of the cromlech did not erect it at the location of the stones, the transportation of which is very difficult.

According to the researcher, the Heel Stone and Stone Number 16 were already at the construction site. This is indicated by the absence of traces of processing of these two boulders, which were found on other sarsens. The archaeologist also found traces of a large depression next to the Heel Stone, which could have been left after the boulder was excavated. The sixteenth stone has the same hole.

In addition, the line drawn through these two stones indicates the point on the horizon where the Sun rises on the day of the summer solstice. Pitts believes that the natural arrangement of the boulders could be the reason for the construction of the entire complex.

Cromlech is an ancient structure, which consists of several vertically placed stones forming a circle. They are found throughout Eurasia, but the most famous are Stonehenge and Avebury.

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