Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Pioneers called this small black and white animal a polecat,
but North American Indians gave it the name we use today skunk.
The skunk's reputation precedes it, and so can its smell.
Though the skunk itself is a clean animal with little body odor,
it is able to produce an incredibly foul scent that is long lasting and distinct.
The scent producing glands are under the skunk's tail,
and by using muscle control, the skunk can accurately shoot its oil based musk up to ten feet.
There are two species of skunks in Missouri, the more familiar striped skunk and the lesser known spotted skunk.