When you smell them, there’s no denying what it is you’re smelling. They have one of the most unique defensive mechanisms in the world, and if you’re not careful, they can ruin your day in a matter of seconds.
The Skunk.
Wyoming is home to three species of skunk. The Striped Skunk can be found all across the state, the Western Spotted Skunk is found mostly west of the Bighorn Mountains, and the Eastern Spotted Skunk can be found on the eastern side of the state.
READ MORE: Skunk Could Be The Next Delicacy In Wyoming Kitchens
Being a fella who enjoys the outdoors, I’ve seen and smelled my fair share of skunks, and until recently, I haven’t had any close encounters. This week, I’ve come closest to experiencing firsthand what it’s like to get sprayed by a skunk.
As well as being on the radio, I also do other odd and end jobs around our company. We have properties all across the area, and I will frequently stop in to check on equipment, which I did this week at our radio tower site near the Hat Six travel center. Being an early riser, I usually make these stops well before the sun comes up, so at about 4:30 a.m. I was unlocking the gate, getting ready to drive through, when I noticed a familiar stench in the air.
READ MORE: The List of Mammals That Call Wyoming Home
No big deal, as I mentioned, I’ve seen and smelled them before. As I rolled along the road, I noticed something moving next to the building, but it was dark and I couldn’t make out what it was. I parked the truck and started to open the door, when just then, out of the dark came the creature that was responsible for the odor.
The Skunk.
The stinky little booger was no more than 4 feet away from me, and all I could think was that this was going to be the day I’d dreaded for a long time. The day I would know what it was like to be sprayed by a skunk. Would I be able to handle it? Would I know what to do to avoid ruining the truck, my clothes, and the tools I had with me?
Thankfully, when the smelly feller popped out of the darkness, I lightly closed the door and slowly backed away as he (or she) waddled off into the high grass and darkness. After giving him (or her) a few minutes to get away, I continued with my work, but kept looking over my shoulder, hoping he (or she) wouldn’t sneak up on me. I also thought about what my steps would’ve been if I had taken a skunk bath.
If you were to get sprayed, do you know what steps you need to take?
One method is to pour 2 to 4 cups of baking soda into a bathtub filled with hot water. Soak in a baking-soda bath for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse to remove the residue from your skin.
Another method is to pour 1 Quart of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap into an open container (if you use a closed container, it could build pressure and possibly explode). Wash with the solution, but avoid getting it into your eyes and mouth.
I’m sure you’ve heard about using Tomato Juice to remove the skunk smell, but tomato juice doesn’t neutralize the spray; it just masks the skunky odor. You need a chemical solution that will break down the odor-causing compounds.
What if your pet gets sprayed by a skunk?
Mix ¼ cup of baking soda, 1–2 teaspoons of mild dishwashing
detergent (such as Ivory Snow), and 1 quart of 3% hydrogen
peroxide solution in a bucket. Use immediately. Work the foaming mixture well
into the coat. Leave on for five minutes. Rinse with warm water. Follow with dog shampoo if desired.
If you’d like to learn more about skunks, check out this video called Skunks for Kids.
How To Survive An Attack By These 7 Dangerous Wyoming Animals
We know that Wyoming is full of dangerous animals, but do you know what to do when one attacks you? Here is a “just the facts” guide to what to do when 5 of the most dangerous animals in Wyoming attack.
