There are many animals in the world that we meetman would like to avoid. Skunk is one of them. However, it should be noted that, by their nature, skunks are quite friendly and kind creatures. They have excellent contact with people, they can quickly become pets and pets. If, of course, not one "BUT". Their smell. What smells like a skunk and why? This question is asked by so many people. Let's try to develop what is what.
Varieties of skunks. Habitat
Currently, there are three types of skunks.All of them live in America. Someone in the South, someone in the North, another in the Central. Skunks differ in appearance, hence the name of the species. The striped skunk has characteristic strips on the back. There are spotted and five-point animals. What smells like a skunk? Each species smells quite the same, as experts say.
Skunk is a peaceful creature
However, do not think that as soon as yougo to the skunk, it will inflict you with a poisonous stream. These animals are pretty peaceful, only in case of danger they will resort to extreme measures. Before the poisonous "flash" the skunk raises its tail, stomps its feet. Time to escape from you will be certain, the main thing - to follow the behavior of the animal.
The fetid liquid in the skunk is in the glands,located under the tail. There are two. In case of danger, the skunk can use one jet, and can release five or six "ammunition" into the offender at once. In this case, the jet can reach a distance of up to three meters.
Danger of caustic secretion
The secret given out by skunks is quite caustic anda hazardous substance. What does the scent smell look like? In most cases, it is compared with the smell of sulfur, since the secret of the animal consists of sulfur-organic compounds. Ethanethiol and butyl mercaptan are its main components. These substances not only very unpleasant smell, but also differ in toxicity. From their impact, one can easily become dizzy. People who are too susceptible to pungent smells, can generally faint. Substances in the secretion act as tear gas. They can also cause nausea, vomiting and lacrimation.
What do skunks smell like?
Very many people who neverfaced with these animals, but only heard about their abilities, always want to know what reminds smell of a skunk. For each person, it should be noted, the answer will be completely different. Basically, of course, the answer will be - sulfur. Hydrogen sulfide, which is part of the compounds of the secret, gives a clear smell that you will not confuse with anything.
But there are other answers to the question of whatsmells like a skunk. Someone compares the smell of the secret of this animal with the smell of a rotten egg (again, hydrogen sulfide, but in the vulgar form). Some say that the "incense" of a skunk resembles the smell of burnt rubber or rotten garlic. There are even those who say that a skunk smells like decaying flesh and spoiled meat.
Variants of associations associated with the smell of skunk,lots of. And if you ask people living in America who often come in contact with these animals about what it is like the smell of a skunk, analogs exist in other animals or not, they will definitely answer unequivocally: no. There are many animals in nature that have an unpleasant odor - bugs, beetles, birds. But there are no analogs; no one else has such an unpleasant, like a skunk, acrid and disgusting smell.
How to get rid of the smell of skunk
Секрет, выделяемый скунсами, не только едко и "Slaughter" smells, but also is a very resistant substance, if it gets on clothes. According to its color, the substance is completely imperceptible, but by the smell ... We have already figured out what a skunk smells like. Now imagine such a "flavor" on your clothes. Output it is almost impossible.
Traditionally it was thought to be good for inducingThe "flavor" of the skunk fit tomatoes. Yes, it was tomatoes that were often used by Americans to wash things that came in the spray. However, after several washes, if the item was still fit, it acquired a persistent tomato smell. Some claim that the smell was rotten tomatoes, which is still "better."
Thanks to the modern industry producinghousehold chemicals and detergents, remove the smell from clothes has become much easier and easier. You can use chlorine bleach, which not only eats away well the secret, but also eliminates the pungent smell of clothing. But there will be some problems with rinsing. The smell of chlorine, as you know, too, many will call unpleasant and this method will not be chosen.
Another option is hydrogen peroxide.Experts call this method optimal. And traces of secretions are removed from the tissue quickly, and the smell disappears completely. Plus hydrogen peroxide - no caustic odor, like chlorine, as well as ease of rinsing.
I must say, skunks are very beautiful animals,fluffy and good-natured. It is definitely worth going to the zoo or going to America to admire them. But at the same time, remember that it is better to watch the “fragrant” beauty from afar.