
Animal Control Scarborough: Do Skunks know they Stink?
Human beings know it, other animals in the wildlife kingdom definitely know it (that’s why we all keep our distance), but do skunks know it? Do they know that they stink? This is a question that, no doubt, pops up in the minds of Scarborough residents whenever skunk season rolls around. Of course at this time many also find themselves needing effective wildlife control services to protect their properties.
But the skunk stink is so pungent that one can’t help wondering if skunks themselves smell it. Scientists have wondered the same thing too and in a bid to answer the question, they conducted research which showed that skunks do find the pungent spray offensive. Skunks try hard to avoid getting sprayed by skunks. Additionally, they also generally avoid spraying each other. In fact, skunks warn other skunks when they are about to spray. Female skunks may emit sprays during mating season to ward off undesirable suitors. The fact that this works as a deterrent to male skunks shows that the skunks’ sense of smell is sharp enough to pick up the stench of the spray. When skunks end up spraying each other, the victim works feverishly to get rid of the odour. This includes rubbing in the dirt, grooming themselves and sneezing. This is another indicator that they know the smell is a bad one. So, if you ever find yourself wondering ‘Do skunks get a whiff of the stink they release?’ The answer is yes.