Friday, March 26, 2021

Skunk crossing road in Toronto


Skunk crossing road in Toronto are pretty interesting. Skunks can stink up the place. Better be careful, indeed. Good to stay far from it. Don't get too close to that animal... or YOU WOULD BE SORRY!  It is SKUNK!

Skunks are certainly notorious for their anal scent glands, which they can use as a defensive weapon. They are similar to, though much more developed than, the glands found in species of the family Mustelidae. Skunks have 2 glands, one on each side of the anus. These glands produce the skunk's spray, which is a mixture of sulfur-containing chemicals such as thiols (traditionally called mercaptans), which have an offensive odor. A skunk's spray is powerful enough to ward off bears and other potential attackers. Muscles located next to the scent glands allow them to spray with a high degree of accuracy, as far as 3 m (10 ft). The spray can also cause irritation and even temporary blindness, and is sufficiently powerful to be detected by a human nose up to 5.6 km (3.5 miles) downwind. Their chemical defense is effective, indeed.

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