Brains On! – “Why Do Skunks Stink?”

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

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.

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)

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)

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)

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

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.

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)

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!