However, the skunk has the most advanced scent gland development. The glands contain approximately 15 cc of a yellowish, oily liquid. This fluid is a sulphur compound, n-butyl mercaptan . A skunk can discharge a spray of this fluid as far as 4 to 5 m and spray up to six times in succession. It takes up to 10 days to replenish the supply of liquid after full discharge.
Skunks are nocturnal animals, active and feeding during night hours.
Their behavior is slow and deliberate, and they appear confident in defending themselves against other animals. Before a skunk discharges its scent glands, it will usually give a warning by stamping its feet rapidly, raising its tail straight up, clicking its teeth, and growling or hissing. A skunk generally sprays only as a last resort, preferring to retreat from danger. Skunks eat many harmful insects and rodents but also prey on eggs and young of waterfowl and other ground- nesting birds. They sometimes cause problems in bee yards by feeding on bees as they emerge from the hive.