Why do skunks stink?

Summary

Brains On! – “Why Do Skunks Stink?”

Date: January 6, 2026
Host: Molly Bloom
Co-host: Dia (from Cupertino, California)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Brains On! explores the science behind why skunks are so famously stinky. Co-host Dia joins Molly Bloom to investigate what skunk spray is made of, how and why skunks use it, how they evolved their malodorous defense, and even how to get rid of skunk smell if you (or your pet) get sprayed. Featuring playful banter, expert voices, and kid call-ins with creative animal defense ideas, this episode is both fun and fact-packed for curious listeners.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Skunks: The Basics

• Skunks are mammals: warm-blooded, produce milk (05:52)
• Related to polecats and weasels, with their closest relatives being Old World stink badgers (05:59)
• Mostly nocturnal, poor eyesight, but strong senses of smell and hearing (06:09, 06:33)
• Diet: insects (including wasps and honeybees), small rodents, lizards (06:15, 06:23)
• Their thick fur protects them from bee stings (06:23)

2. Meet the Experts: Skunks in the Field

• Marie Tosa, Skunk Researcher (07:07–10:16)
  • Studied the western spotted skunk, which is smaller than the common striped skunk and has distinctive spots and stripes (07:13)
  • Discovered they are generalist predators eating wasps, yellowjackets, shrew moles, chipmunks, birds, and amphibians (08:15)
  • Western spotted skunks can compete with big carnivores because of their stink—sometimes even chasing mountain lions off a kill! (08:53)
  • Their spray smells like “super pungent raw garlic” (09:17)
  • Marie has been sprayed “between 50 and 100 times” during fieldwork (09:43)
  • She misses skunk research because they’re secretive and little-studied (09:57)

3. Skunk Spray: What Is It?

• The Chemistry of Stink (16:25–21:27)
  • Skunk spray contains sulfur compounds, specifically thioacetate, which doesn’t smell until it gets wet; water actually intensifies the stink (18:25–18:43)
  • Common myth: tomato juice does not remove skunk smell—“you just smell like a stinky tomato” (19:05)
  • To neutralize skunk spray, use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap (21:11):
    • “Four cups hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and a teaspoon of liquid dish soap” (21:17)

4. Skunk Spray: Why Do They Do It?

• Insights from Professor Ted Stankiewicz (California State University, Long Beach) (22:06–24:06)
  • Skunks almost never spray for fun; it’s their last resort for defense as they only store a limited amount (22:33)
  • Warning signals before spraying include arching their back, paw stamping, and false charges (22:55)
  • When forced to, skunks form a U-shape with their bodies and target the attacker’s face with a “golden stream of smelly liquid” (23:19)
  • The effects on predators (like coyotes): burning, irritated eyes and nose, loss of sense of smell for days—“Being sprayed by a skunk is just going to ruin that coyote’s night.” (24:06 - Prof. Stankiewicz)

5. The Evolution of Skunk Stink

• All carnivores have anal glands for marking territories by scent, but skunks’ glands have evolved to be much larger and to produce a strong, sprayable liquid for self-defense (27:02)
• Skunks’ biggest predators are other carnivores (coyotes, wolves, mountain lions), which rely on smell—it’s an especially effective deterrent for these animals (27:24, 27:51)
• Their bold black-and-white stripes also warn would-be attackers (28:07)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dia recalling her first skunk experience:
  “There was an incident which we called the skunk invasion, where a skunk got spooked at our school, and the benches, they stank. Oh, my God, it was terrible.” (04:22)

• Marie Tosa on skunk spray:
  "Western spotted skunk spray smells different than a striped skunk spray... I call it, like, super pungent raw garlic." (09:17)

• Marie Tosa, on fieldwork:
  "I've been sprayed between 50 and 100 times over the course of my study." (09:43)

• Wombat Pete’s mnemonic for skunk stink removal:
  "Four cats had problems. Queen coughed beside Susie’s 10th lasagna. Don’t sneeze." (19:47, 20:45)
  (Mnemonic device for remembering the recipe: hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dish soap)

• Prof. Stankiewicz, on why skunk spray works:
  "Skunks are really the kings of the land out there. Most wild mammal predators will not mess with a skunk unless they're desperate." (22:06)

• Prof. Stankiewicz, on spraying:
  "No, I think skunks just don't ever want to spray. They won't spray unless they absolutely have to." (22:33)

• Prof. Stankiewicz, on anal glands:
  "Your dog and your cat have anal glands about the size of a lima bean. Skunks... the size of a golf ball or a racquetball. So much, much, much larger and, you know, filled with this golden oil that they can spray out." (27:02)

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Fun & Interactive Segments

"Mystery Sound" (10:29, 30:27)

• Kids are challenged to guess a mystery sound—later revealed to be “lint rolling my mom’s pants.” (31:30)
• Humorous and relatable reactions from hosts and co-hosts.

Kids’ Creative Defense Mechanisms (11:31, 12:55, 24:30)

• Listeners share their own imaginary powers, like jetpacks, camouflage, guitar solos, creating tornadoes, multiplying themselves, or having spikes.

Wombat Pete Comedy Bits

• Wombat Pete, a recurring character, adds levity and memorable mnemonics—especially around the music festival and the anti-skunk stink recipe.
• “Us wombats may poop cubes, but skunks spray stinky oil out their butts. Which is what I call partying.” (17:25)

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Breakdown of Important Segments (Timestamps)

• Intro to Skunk Stink & Co-Host Stories: 01:07–05:19
• Get to Know Skunks (Fast Facts): 05:49–06:50
• Expert Interview: Marie Tosa: 06:57–10:16
• Mystery Sound #1: 10:29–11:28
• Kids’ Defense Powers: 11:31–12:40, 24:30–25:22
• Wombat Pete & Skunk Spray Chemistry: 16:39–21:27
• How Skunks Use & Evolved Their Spray: 22:00–28:31
• Mystery Sound Answer & Outro: 30:27–32:14

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Recap & Takeaways

• Skunks don’t always stink—they use their smelly spray only as a defense.
• The spray contains sulfur compounds (especially thioacetate), and water makes it worse.
• To neutralize skunk stink: Mix hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap.
• Skunk spray is their last line of defense; warning signals include arching their back and stomping before spraying.
• Evolution gave skunks both their stink and bright stripes to warn off predators, especially those with sensitive noses.
• If you see a skunk: Don’t be afraid—just give it space, and you’ll both be fine.

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Final Words

• “Skunks have stinky spray as a way to defend themselves. Thanks, Evolution.” (29:48 – Dia)
• “If you try to wash [the stinky spray] off with water, it only gets stinkier.” (29:58 – Molly Bloom)
• “If you see one, you don’t have to be scared. Just don’t approach the skunk. Let it be and it’ll let you be." (28:49–28:56 – Dia and Molly Bloom)

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A science-filled, laugh-out-loud look into the amazing world of skunks and their signature scent—served up with mnemonics, expert interviews, and a healthy dose of curiosity!

Transcript

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[Molly Bloom]

Lemonade.

[Dia]

Brains on Universe. You're listening to Brains on. Where we're serious about being curious. Ask someone to tell you about skunks. What's the first thing you think they'll say?

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, I know what they're gonna say.

[Dia]

Me too.

[Molly Bloom]

Should we see if we're thinking the same thing? On the count of three. What? One, two, three.

[Dia]

They're stinky.

[Molly Bloom]

They'd be really good at mini golf.

[Dia]

Did you just say they'd be really good at mini golf?

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah. That's not the first thing you thought?

[Dia]

No. Skunks aren't always stinky. In fact, most of the time they smell fine. But they can whip up a powerful stench when they need to protect themselves.

[Molly Bloom]

Ah, yes. Your answer is better. Their odor is pretty powerful.

[Dia]

So if you smell skunk, it means a skunk near you was spooked.

[Professor Ted Stankiewicz]

If they get nervous, they can sort of release like a little fart, like a little waft of odor.

[Molly Bloom]

That's skunk expert Ted Stankowicz. We'll hear more from him soon, and.

[Dia]

We'Ll learn more about these striped and only sometimes stinky critters. Stay tuned.

[Wombat Pete]

Imagine you're on a desert island. What's something you definitely want with you?

[Molly Bloom]

A fire starting kit? No. A pallet of canned soup with easy open lids. Wait. Actually, a satellite phone to call for.

[Wombat Pete]

Okay. Yes. And you might want your Smarty Pass. Sure, it can't start a fire or feed your belly, but with Smarty Pass, you can get access to hundreds of episodes of Brains on Forever Ago. Smashboom. Best and Moment of, um, all with zero ads.

[Molly Bloom]

Perfect. I can binge them while I eat soup cooked over the fire and wait for my rescue crew.

[Wombat Pete]

We also invite our smarty pals to virtual hangouts. They get a discount on shirts and hats, and they can even get a special message from me, Sanin, Molly, or Joy.

[Molly Bloom]

I'll have plenty of time to record messages while lounging in the heated pool on my island.

[Wombat Pete]

I never said it had a heated pool.

[Molly Bloom]

You implied it.

[Wombat Pete]

So to support our team and get smartypass, head to smartypass.org thank you.

[Molly Bloom]

So when do I get to go to my island resort and eat soup? Brains On. You're listening to Brains on, part of the Brains on universe. I'm your host, Molly Bloom, and my co host today is Dia from Cupertino, California. Hi, Dia.

[Dia]

Hey, Molly. I'm so excited to co host.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, my gosh, we are so excited that you're here. So you've written many questions over the years to us, and we love all of them. And I'm wondering, how do you come up with your questions?

[Dia]

Actually, a lot of these questions pop up when I'm bored or have nothing to do. Like when I'm just sitting there with nothing on my mind. My mind tends to spiral with these random thoughts that lead to questions. And so I make it my quest to get them answered. And a great way to do that is to ask them to brains on.

[Molly Bloom]

So being bored can be kind of a good thing.

[Dia]

Turns out, yeah, it really can.

[Molly Bloom]

That's so cool. And so have you ever smelled a skunk in real life?

[Dia]

I mean, I have seen a couple skunks in our front yard. But a crazy thing that did happen in fifth grade, there was an incident which we called the skunk invasion, where a skunk got spooked at our school, and the benches, they stank. Oh, my God, it was terrible. We had recess indoors, and we were all plugging our noses.

[Molly Bloom]

Wait, so the skunks sprayed the benches, like on the playground or something?

[Dia]

Yeah, the benches where we would normally sit and eat. And it was like we couldn't get anywhere near them. It was crazy.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, my gosh. So is the stink still there? Did they get rid of it somehow?

[Dia]

I mean, yeah, we had to have recess indoors. And the. I think it was pest control. They came there and tried to get rid of the smell, but right now it's gone.

[Molly Bloom]

Thank goodness.

[Dia]

Yeah, thank goodness.

[Molly Bloom]

So you guys call it the skunk incident?

[Dia]

Yeah, the skunk invasion.

[Molly Bloom]

The skunk invasion. Oh, my gosh. So you didn't actually see the skunk, but you smelled them afterwards?

[Dia]

Yes, for sure.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, lots of people want to know why skunk spray, how they make that smell and lots of other curiosity about their stinkiness. And that makes sense because that's sort of the main thing skunks are known for, right? That and their stylish stripes. We're going to learn all about why and how they make that stinky smell in a moment. But first let's get to know our fanciful furry friends.

[Wombat Pete]

Skunk fact.

[Dia]

Skunks are mammals, so they are warm blooded and make milk for their babies.

[Wombat Pete]

Skunk fact.

[Molly Bloom]

They're related to polecats and weasels, but their closest relatives are animals called Old World stink badgers.

[Wombat Pete]

Skunk fact.

[Dia]

They're mostly nocturnal, so they usually come out at night.

[Wombat Pete]

Skunk fact.

[Dia]

They spend their time looking for plants or bugs to eat. Sometimes they eat small rodents or lizards.

[Wombat Pete]

Skunk fact.

[Molly Bloom]

They even eat honeybees. In fact, they love to snack on those stingy little guys. The skunk's thick fur protects them from the sting.

[Dia]

Skunk fact. They have good hearing and a strong sense of smell, but their eyesight is actually pretty bad.

[Molly Bloom]

Huh. So I guess they wouldn't be very good at mini golf, would they?

[Wombat Pete]

Not a skunk fact.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, that's just scratching the surface of these black and white wonders. Let's learn more from someone who's actually hung out with skunks.

[Dia]

Yes, let's talk with Marie Tosa.

[Molly Bloom]

She now works for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, but when she was a student she studied skunks.

[Dia]

Welcome, Marie.

[Molly Bloom]

Hi, Dia.

[Marie Tosa]

Thanks for having me on the show.

[Dia]

What kind of skunk did you study? What does it look like?

[Marie Tosa]

I studied the western spotted skunk and it is kind of this squirrel sized animal. It's really small. It's smaller than your typical skunk that you think of, which is the striped skunk. So the western spotted skunk is mostly black, but then it has these white spots all over its body. It has one dot in the center of its forehead and then it has like six to seven stripes on its back and then it's mostly a black tail with a white striped tip.

[Dia]

What did you want to learn about them?

[Marie Tosa]

I wanted to learn what they are doing in forests in the west. So western spotted skunks are one of the most common carnivore in the forests in the Pacific Northwest, but we really don't know very much about them. Things like what eats the western spotted skunk and what kind of forest structures do they need to survive and reproduce and thrive in the forest.

[Dia]

That's so cool. Were you able to answer any of those questions while you were out studying?

[Marie Tosa]

Yeah, we were able to learn more about the western spotted skunk. One of the things that we learned was that they're a very generalist predator. We found out that they eat a lot of wasps and yellowjackets, something that we typically don't think about in terms of skunks and their prey. We also learned that they eat these things called shrew moles and things like chipmunks and flying squirrels, but also birds like thrushes and amphibians like Pacific tree frogs.

[Molly Bloom]

Wow.

[Dia]

So it seems like when people think about skunks, all they think about is the smell. But what else should people know about skunks?

[Marie Tosa]

One of the really cool things about western spotted skunks is that they can compete with huge carnivores like cougars, mountain lions in terms of acquiring prey. So because of this stinky spray, they can go up to mountain lion and say, hey, I want that deer meat instead. I'm going to eat it, and you can't have it.

[Molly Bloom]

Does the western spotted skunk have a different scent than other skunks? Yes.

[Marie Tosa]

I would say western spotted skunk spray smells different than a striped skunk spray. And the only way that I've figured out how to describe it is to call it, like, super pungent raw garlic.

[Molly Bloom]

Ooh, spicy. Spicy.

[Marie Tosa]

Yeah.

[Dia]

Have you ever gotten skunked while you were.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, my gosh.

[Dia]

Studying them?

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, for sure.

[Marie Tosa]

I've been sprayed between 50 and 100 times over the course of my study.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh. Oh, my goodness.

[Dia]

It looks like you've learned a lot about skunks, but now that you're studying other animals, do you miss skunks?

[Marie Tosa]

Oh, yeah, I absolutely miss studying skunks. You know, just the fact that not very many people know very much about them and that you wouldn't actually see them unless you were actually searching for them makes me miss them a lot.

[Dia]

Well, thank you for teaching us so much about skunks, Marie.

[Marie Tosa]

You're welcome. Thanks for having me on the show.

[Molly Bloom]

Brains. Brains.

[Marie Tosa]

Brains.

[Molly Bloom]

Before we pivot to our sense of smell, let's test our hearing. It's time for the.

[Dia]

Mystery sound.

[Molly Bloom]

You ready for the mystery sound? Yes. All right, here it is. What do you think it sounds like?

[Dia]

Maybe there's something. This is a completely wild guess. There's something filled with air, and maybe they're, like, violently stomping on it and it's making that sound.

[Molly Bloom]

That's a really good guess. Yeah, it sounded like stomping, like something loud, kind of rhythmic. Yeah. I love your guess. I love it. I cannot think of a better guess. So let's stick with that for now and we'll have another chance to hear it and take a guess and hear the answer at the end of the show.

[Wombat Pete]

Brazen.

[Molly Bloom]

Skunks use stink as a way to scare off enemies.

[Dia]

But we asked you what creative defense you'd use if you were an animal.

[Molly Bloom]

Here are some of your wild ideas.

[Dia]

My superpower would be to have a jetpack. So if an enemy was running towards me, I would just blast up into the sky. If I had to choose a mechanism defense to stop other things eating me, I would go really bright so they go blind if they look at me. When I spin really fast, it makes or tornado. I would regurgitate tiny balls that I.

[Molly Bloom]

Stored in my chest and then I'll.

[Dia]

Throw at the animal that's bothering me and then they'll get distracted and then I'll run away.

[Molly Bloom]

My idea for a self defense mechanism.

[Dia]

Would be playing guitar solos until the enemy runs away. I like playing guitar because not only I can have fun, I can make people around me. Enjoy. Bye. Thank you.

[Molly Bloom]

Guitar solos. Yes. Thanks to Logan from Cincinnati, Isla from Aberdeen, Matilda from Champaign, Illinois, Nikan from Portland, Oregon and Oliver from Spain. Nadia, I'm wondering, what about you? Is there an animal defense mechanism you would want to have?

[Dia]

I think camouflage. I've always thought camouflage was really cool. Yeah, it'd be crazy to just change purple like at a random time.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, I'd be like, yep, you can't see me like a chameleon or like a cuttlefish or something. So cool.

[Dia]

If you have an idea for the show or a question or drawing, send it to us.

[Molly Bloom]

Go to brainson.org we can't wait to hear from you. Thanks.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Molly Bloom]

Today's episode is sponsored by Boppas. Okay, this is the time of year where people keep asking about your 2026 resolutions. I've got a bunch. I'd like to be more patient. I want to eat more fiber. But let's be honest, at the top of my list this year is to get comf. And that's where Bombas comes in. They're bringing serious comfort to all my everyday go tos. My family has been a Bombus family for years and the all new Bombas sports socks are engineered with sport specific comfort for running, golfing, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and, you know, just walking around the neighborhood. This year I'm going to take my dog on longer walks and these socks are perfect for it. They're cushioned where I need it most, sweat wicking and loaded with other tech features to keep me comfy and locked in. And for my resolution to hang out at home and read more books, well, Bombas has me covered with the comfiest footwear imaginable. There's the luxurious Sherpa Sunday slippers that feel like walking on clouds. The perfect cozy slipper to keep my feet warm while I cuddle up with a good book. Head over to bombas.com family26 and use code family26 for 20% off your first purchase. That's B-O-M-B-A-S.com family26 code family26 at checkout. Brains On.

[Dia]

You're listening to Brains On. I'm Dia.

[Molly Bloom]

And I'm Molly. We just learned a lot about skunks from our friend Marie Tosa. Turns out they can compete with much larger predator because of their scent.

[Dia]

But now it's time for their superpower.

[Molly Bloom]

A ferocious funk, an odious odor, a stinky stench, a fetid fragrance.

[Dia]

Whatever you call it, it's powerful stuff. But what is skunk spray made out of anyway?

[Wombat Pete]

Oh, I can answer that.

[Molly Bloom]

Wombat Pete, what are you doing here? And why do you have that stapler?

[Wombat Pete]

Just hanging up flyers for the next Wombat Music Festival at Brainson Headquarters. It's Womban Roo and it's gonna rock.

[Molly Bloom]

I thought we said no more of those. They're still glitter in the curtains from last time.

[Wombat Pete]

No more. I could have sworn you said yes more. See, it says so on the poster. Molly says yes more.

[Molly Bloom]

Definitely not what I said.

[Wombat Pete]

It's tricky because yes and no sound almost exactly the same.

[Molly Bloom]

Can we talk about this later? We're in the middle of taping an episode about skunks.

[Wombat Pete]

Skunks. I love skunks. Those guys know how to party. Us Wombats may poop cubes, but skunks spray stinky oil out their butts. Which is what I call partying.

[Molly Bloom]

Woo.

[Dia]

You are friends with skunks. Does that mean you know about the stink spray they make?

[Wombat Pete]

Oh yeah, I'm very familiar with the spray. Nine words. Don't throw your best friend skunk a surprise party.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh yeah. Startling a skunk is a one way ticket to stinky town.

[Wombat Pete]

You know it and I know it. But lucky for all of us, my keen nose can read that stink like Molly reads the back of cereal boxes. Thoroughly and repeatedly.

[Molly Bloom]

I do do that.

[Wombat Pete]

Ah doo doo. Anyway, the chemical response for the stink is called sulfur.

[Dia]

I've heard of that. It's the same stuff that gives rotten eggs their stink.

[Wombat Pete]

Exactly. And there's even a cooler chemical that's part of the spray. It's called thioacetate. It doesn't smell stinky until it gets wet.

[Dia]

Sneaky. So the smell is stronger if you wash it off?

[Wombat Pete]

Yeah, you may call it sneaky, but I call it wamb. Brilliant. You try to wash off the spray with water, but it only makes you stinkier.

[Molly Bloom]

I've heard after a spray you should use tomato juice to stop the stank, but that seems so random. Does tomato juice really help get rid of the stench?

[Wombat Pete]

No way, bro. You just smell like a tomato. A stinky tomato. By the way, stinky tomato is headlining Wombana Roo. They rock.

[Molly Bloom]

So how do you make it go away?

[Wombat Pete]

Oh, stinky tomato usually won't go away until I pay them in jelly beans. It's a contract thing.

[Molly Bloom]

No, I meant how do you make the skunk smell go away?

[Wombat Pete]

Oh, that. Yeah, there's a simple concoction you can make to stop the smell. If you're friends with a skunk, you gotta memorize this recipe. Four cats had problems. Queen coughed beside Susie's 10th lasagna. Don't sneeze.

[Dia]

Was that beet poetry?

[Wombat Pete]

No, that would be more like the Wombat purchase with his reinforced rump. What is this? Marsupial? He thinks, what is a marsupial? Does a marsupial love soup like soup? It's all soup, man.

[Dia]

Okay, but, like, back to the recipe.

[Wombat Pete]

Oh, right, right. Four cats had problems. Queen coughed beside Susie's 10th lasagna. Don't sneeze. That's a mnemonic device.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, a mnemonic device is something that helps you remember. Like my very excellent mother just served us noodles. That helps you remember the solar system. The first letter of each word in that sentence stands for a planet. Like my is Mercury, Very is Venus. Excellent is Earth, Mother is Mars, and so on.

[Wombat Pete]

Exactly. Molinator. Four cats had problems. Stands for four cups of hydrogen peroxide.

[Dia]

I'm writing this down.

[Wombat Pete]

Queen cough beside Suzy's is for quarter cup baking soda.

[Dia]

Got it.

[Wombat Pete]

Then 10th lasagna. Don't sneeze. That's TLDS, teaspoon liquid dish soap.

[Dia]

So, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. That's three ingredients that are pretty easy to find.

[Wombat Pete]

Yeah, mix those three together, and it makes a liquid that breaks down the sulfur compounds in the spray into chemicals that don't stink.

[Molly Bloom]

So handy.

[Wombat Pete]

Anywho, I love to stay and chill, but I've got more festival posters to hang. This year's festival is going to be three times as big and four times as loud. We even got the fire ants to come breathe actual fire. Noice. Thanks for saying yes. More, Molly.

[Molly Bloom]

Wait, I never said that. Come back.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Yeah, yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, yeah, you did.

[Wombat Pete]

It's on the flyer.

[Molly Bloom]

So now we know how skunks stink. But why do they stink?

[Professor Ted Stankiewicz]

Skunks are really the kings of the land out there. Most wild mammal predators will not mess with a skunk unless they're desperate.

[Molly Bloom]

That's Professor Ted Stankiewicz from California State University, Long beach, and he's spent a lot of time studying skunks.

[Dia]

And he says skunks never spray for fun. It's serious business.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, because it's how they protect themselves from predators, animals that want to eat them.

[Professor Ted Stankiewicz]

No, I think skunks just don't ever want to spray. They won't spray unless they absolutely have to. The skunk will do a bunch of different behaviors before it actually sprays in order to make that predator go away. Because skunks only have a certain amount of juice that they can spray out, and they don't want to waste it.

[Molly Bloom]

So their stink juice is actually precious stuff. They can run out before using it. They'll try other things.

[Dia]

They'll arch their back to show off their white stripes.

[Molly Bloom]

They might scratch or stamp the ground with their paws, trying to appear all tough.

[Dia]

They may even charge at the predator a tiny bit as a warning.

[Molly Bloom]

But if the predator starts to charge at the skunk, then the stinky oil gets released.

[Professor Ted Stankiewicz]

The skunk will quickly turn its body into a U shape so its rear end is facing the predator, and the.

[Molly Bloom]

Skunk will spray out a golden stream of smelly liquid as close to the predator's face as possible.

[Dia]

The spray comes out fast and in little drops from two tiny glands in the skunk's rear.

[Molly Bloom]

These are called anal glands for the skunks. They're kind of like a spray bottle attached to the butt.

[Dia]

And it turns out this is a very good way to protect yourself.

[Molly Bloom]

Let's say a coyote gets sprayed by a skunk.

[Professor Ted Stankiewicz]

If you're sprayed in the face by skunk oil, it's gonna burn, it's gonna hurt. It's going to really mess with your nose, your mouth, and your eyes. And the coyote generally will probably roll onto the ground, try to rub its eyes and mouth in the grass to try to get that stuff off its face. Being sprayed by a skunk is just going to ruin that coyote's night.

[Molly Bloom]

Especially since coyotes and other animals that would eat skunks have such powerful noses.

[Dia]

It's like all the smells are turned up to the max for them. Great defense, though.

[Molly Bloom]

We're going to learn more about how skunks developed this stinky superpower in a minute, but first, let's hear more of your sneaky ideas for protecting yourselves from animal enemies.

[Dia]

I think a awesome defense mechanism would be a headlamp slash food cannonball. My defense would be when an animal sees me, I would just multiply. So, like, while the animal's not looking, trying to guess which is the real one, I would just run away. And if I had a weird way of defending myself, I would probably have spikes all over my body, so I look scary, and animals would be scared. So, like, the camo flower will pop up on one side if you press that button. The bright light will shine out on one side if you press that button and it's just on your forehead, it shines a really, really colorful, bright light.

[Molly Bloom]

Inspiring and innovative. I love it. Thanks to Elliot from Andover, Michigan, Isla from Melbourne, Australia, and William from New York for sharing those answers.

[Dia]

More skunks in a sec. Stay put.

[Molly Bloom]

Want brains on without the brakes? We got you. Just join Smartypass. You can get an ad free stream of all of our shows. Plus you'll get cool perks and the satisfaction of knowing you're powering brains on. Thanks. Okay, we are back, and we're answering this question.

[Dia]

How did skunks develop this clever and malodorous skill?

[Molly Bloom]

As with so many things, it's thanks to evolution.

[Dia]

Evolution is when living things change over many, many generations over a long time. They can develop new traits or behaviors to help them survive.

[Molly Bloom]

Evolution is a very important idea in science, and it explains skunks.

[Professor Ted Stankiewicz]

Things evolve because you have some sort of existing structure that helps get you there.

[Molly Bloom]

By that, he means usually an animal develops a power by growing or changing some part of their body.

[Dia]

In this case, he means their anal glands, the butt sprayers we talked about before.

[Professor Ted Stankiewicz]

So all carnivores have glands in their rear ends that they already had for communication purposes. These glands make things that don't smell great, but they'll use them to mark the ground and mark territories and mark what their home is.

[Molly Bloom]

They also sometimes like to smell each other's anal glands to learn about each other. Dogs do this when they sniff another dog's butt.

[Professor Ted Stankiewicz]

So your dog and your cat have anal glands about the size of a lima bean. Skunks can be the size of a golf ball or a racquetball. So much, much, much larger and, you know, filled with this golden oil that they can spray out.

[Dia]

Okay, but back to evolution.

[Molly Bloom]

Why did skunks evolve to use stink to protect themselves? Why not big claws or strong armor?

[Professor Ted Stankiewicz]

So if you. Your major predator risk is from other carnivores like coyotes and wolves and mountain lions. Those animals are really sensitive to smell, and so spraying them in the face is a really, really effective way to drive them away.

[Molly Bloom]

Like skunks, these animals are also mostly active at night. Since it's dark, they can't see that well, so they rely more on a super sense of smell to find creatures to eat.

[Dia]

Like we said before, if you have a super nose, getting skunked is really bad news.

[Molly Bloom]

Not only do you have to smell that stink, it blocks other smells. So you can't use your nose for hunting. You might go hungry for days until your smell is back in action.

[Dia]

Ted says the stripes on a skunk are a good warning, too. Animals often see that and know to stay away.

[Molly Bloom]

In fact, most times, when you see an animal with bold colors, like a black and white snake or yellow and black bees, it means that animal is dangerous and you should probably leave it alone.

[Dia]

And because so many animals know to leave skunks alone, they really don't have to Worry much?

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, they get to be slow and chill and just walk around without anyone bothering them. Nice work, skunks. So, skunks actually have a pretty solid way of staying safe.

[Dia]

Good for them. If you see one. You don't have to be scared.

[Molly Bloom]

Just don't approach the skunk. Let it be and it'll let you be.

[Wombat Pete]

Yeah, live and let live. That's what my pal Skunk always says.

[Molly Bloom]

Wombat Pete, you're back.

[Wombat Pete]

I left my stapler and hacky sack here. Ah, there they are.

[Molly Bloom]

Hey, before you go about this womb, Bonnaroo fest, It seems like a really bad idea. Maybe we should just like.

[Wombat Pete]

Oh, did I tell you there's gonna be a booth selling deep fried cottage cheese?

[Molly Bloom]

Never mind, I'm in. But you need to insure the house this time. Our premiums went through the roof after the last one.

[Wombat Pete]

As much as I love talking about liability insurance, I got a jet. I'm competing in the fourth annual Marsupial Mini Golf Classic. Fun fact, Wombats are great at mini golf.

[Dia]

Whoa.

[Wombat Pete]

Wombat Pete is ready to putt to the top.

[Molly Bloom]

Whoa.

[Dia]

Skunks have stinky spray as a way to defend themselves. Thanks, Evolution.

[Molly Bloom]

They also come in all different shapes and sizes and even have different smells.

[Dia]

The stinky spray is very clever because if you try to wash it off with water, it only gets stinkier.

[Molly Bloom]

To get rid of skunk stink, remember, four cats had problems. Queen coughed beside Susie's 10th lasagna. Don't sneeze.

[Dia]

Or just look at the show notes to get that recipe.

[Molly Bloom]

That's it for this episode of Brains On.

[Dia]

This episode was written by Molly Bloom, edited by Sandon Totten, and sound design by Mark Sanchez.

[Molly Bloom]

He wrote the theme music, too. Special thanks to Sairam Ramachandran, Andy Doucet, Ted Stankovich, Marie Tosa, and Ken Taborski. Dia, it is time to go back to that mystery sound. Are you ready? Yes. All right, here it is. Okay. Any new thoughts?

[Dia]

So, yeah, it does still sound like someone's stomping on something with air. But I was also thinking maybe like a huge axe, like, whacking a tree, maybe.

[Molly Bloom]

Ooh, that's really good. Yeah, it sounds like something like rattling. Almost like. Yeah, I don't know. This is a tough one.

[Dia]

This is a really hard one.

[Molly Bloom]

I am stumped. Should we hear the answer? Yes. All right, here it is.

[Dia]

Hi, my name is Naomi. I live in Hamerton, Washington. And that was the sound of me lint rolling my mom's pants.

[Molly Bloom]

Excuse me? Lint rolling pants. What?

[Dia]

That's some aggressive lint rolling.

[Molly Bloom]

That is the loudest lint rolling. I need to hear that again. Okay. I feel like the microphone must have been embedded inside of the lint roller.

[Dia]

That was.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, that was intense.

[Dia]

Must have been a lot of lint on those pants.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah. So much lint. You needed the most intense lint rolling of all time. Wow. Okay. That was a very tricky one. I. I'm just giving us high fives because, you know, why not? Now it's time for the brains honor roll. These are the incredible kids who keep the show going with their questions, ideas, mystery sounds, drawings, and high fives. Camden from tacoma, washington. Evelyn from calgary, imani from phoenix. Mira from teaneck, new jersey. Chelsea from portland, oregon. Anna from monrovia, maryland. Aurelia from shonagin lake beach, d.c. skyler from dunwoody, georgia. Blaze, quincy and cora from sugarland, texas. Nikenzi from san bernardino, california. Tara from milburn, new jersey. Isla from seattle. Nora from calgary, elijah from honolulu robert from davenport, florida torin from somerset, united kingdom. Ava from west melbourne, florida. Stella from tennessee elizabeth from prior lake, minnesota. Sevy from london, mateo from london max from pittsburgh lucia from west sacramento, california. Madeline and lydia from new york city. Indy from valencia, spain. Nora and nadia from taylor, tampa, florida. Maxwell from noblesville, indiana. Mona from fort collins, colorado lucy from jackson heights, new york leora from minneapolis ella from colorado springs sosha from glendale, california. Lorenzo and rafael from estella, spain, asia from milton keynes, england. Ione from baltimore, abby from naples, florida bodhi from calgary, emma from globe, arizona. Gweny and judson from pasadena. Samantha from bastrop, texas. Avery from gatineau, quebec. Margaret from washington, d.c. maya and akshay from virginia. Aldo from whitehorse, yukon. Roman and taylor from suwannee, georgia. Kaylee from pittsburgh danny from richmond, virginia zeke from atlanta audrey from viroco, wisconsin gabby and sammy from east lansing, michigan brooklyn from canyon lake, texas. Lyle from asheville, north carolina. August and arlo from indianapolis. Bastian from sultan, washington. Logan, riley and molly from orlando, florida. Rohan and aditya from san francisco. Dylan from loves park, illinois. Henry from farmington, michigan. Henry from sherman oaks, california. Ava from louisville, rena from shinjuku, japan. Asher from johnson creek, wisconsin bob from dublin, ireland. Nevin from lindenville, new york penelope from oconomowoc, wisconsin. Jack and izzy from st. Paul, minnesota and gavin from st. Charles, illinois. We'll be back next week with an episode that looks at a mystery.

[Dia]

Thanks for listening.