--- In SkunkworksAMA_at_yahoogroups.com, "Take a wild, friggin guess"
<a_change_of_plans_at_...> wrote:
>
Technically, though,
> a skunk doesn't produce any musk to spray unless he/she is
> cornered/frightened. It would be considered their initial take on
> the "fight or flight" reaction. Asking a skunk to spray you would
> result in no action, aside from a few strange looks. But if you
throw
> one against the wall, punch it or threaten it with a weapon, you
will
> get sprayed.
> The spray can cause blindness if it goes directly into the eyes.
> Otherwise, it makes the attacker nauseous and quite rancid smelling
> (and thusly, easy for the cops to locate).
> Good question, man.
>
> --JMH
>
From what I've read, adult skunks can spray at will, but baby skunks
are unable to control their spraying, much the way baby humans aren't
potty trained until they are old enough, so they do so randomly.
Real adult skunks are unlikely to spray unless they feel the need,
simply because they know their supply of "ammunition" is limited and
they take time to recharge. So I assume an intelligent anthro skunk
could spray at will, though it would be unlikely to.
Long Tom.
Received on Sun Feb 10 2008 - 09:46:44 CST