Late summer brings not only warm weather but also a bustling season for skunks in Tennessee. As these black-and-white creatures go about their routines, there’s an increased likelihood of encountering their pungent defense mechanism – the infamous skunk spray.
Chris Graves, a member of UTIA’s School of Natural Resources, provides valuable insights into skunk behavior. He explains, “I mean they can aim it up to, you know, about 15 feet. So, they can let you have it.” Graves emphasizes that skunks play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. However, when threatened, they deploy their defense mechanism: an oil released from their musk glands. This substance doesn’t always emit the classic skunk odor – instead, it’s described as a combination of rotting eggs and burning tires.
Graves humorously shares, “I’d say the warning signs, it’s important to understand if a skunk looks like it’s kind of playing the drums, stamping its feet with the tail raised – I always tell people if you ever see a skunk that goes into like a headstand or a handstand, you’re in trouble.”
To avoid unwanted skunk encounters, Dr. Graves advises taking preventative measures. He recommends sealing off openings under houses or porches where skunks might nest and avoiding leaving pet food or garbage outside. Skunk sightings have been on the rise in a Knoxville neighborhood, prompting a personal connection from Charles Denney, who humorously remarks, “How do I know this? Welcome to my backyard.”
The Denney household had a firsthand experience of the skunk’s potent aroma. Jennifer Denney, Charles’s wife and a compassionate nurse, recounts, “It just covered everything. You couldn’t get away from the smell. It was horrible. It came into the house. It settled in the house.” Even their Greyhound dog, Wynn, fell victim to skunk spray – not once, but twice during the summer. Despite various attempts at removing the smell, it stubbornly persisted.
Jennifer Denney notes, “The odor transferred to me. I didn’t think about wearing gloves. But it does. It’s an oil and it transfers to your skin. It made me a pretty sick feeling. I felt sick.” Wynn’s reaction mirrored human allergies – runny nose and watery eyes – when she encountered the skunk’s spray.
Veterinarian Marcy Souza offers insights into skunk spray’s effects on pets, explaining that if sprayed in the eyes, it can be irritating, much like pepper spray. However, permanent damage is unlikely. Souza advises pet owners to consult a veterinarian if concerned.
Ultimately, the Denneys and others who’ve faced skunk encounters must learn to coexist with these creatures. Skunks are merely following their instincts, and if feeling threatened, they will utilize their potent defense. As we navigate late summer, it’s essential to respect skunks’ space while taking precautions to prevent unwanted interactions.
As Charles Denney concludes, “Skunks are just going about their lives, but they’ll use their best defense mechanism if necessary. And we might suffer.” If skunk odor infiltrates your home, consider the Denneys’ solution of leaving bowls of vinegar out to absorb the smell – a practical tip that may just save your nose.
In the end, while skunks might bring a challenge to our olfactory senses, they remain an integral part of the ecosystem, reminding us to approach nature with both caution and understanding.
