<P> Skunks are 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 two 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 smell aside , the spray can 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 ) down wind . Their chemical defense is effective , as illustrated by this extract from Charles Darwin 's Voyage of the Beagle : </P>
<P> Skunks are 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 two 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 smell aside , the spray can 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 ) down wind . Their chemical defense is effective , as illustrated by this extract from Charles Darwin 's Voyage of the Beagle : </P>
where does the smell of the skunk go
where does the smell of the skunk go
anal scent glands
anal scent glands