Two internal glands located at the base of the tail produce a thick, volatile, oily liquid that contains odorous sulfur compounds. This scent is released primarily in self-defense. Skunks usually stamp their front feet rapidly and loudly, growl, hiss, or walk a short distance on their front feet with their tail erect as a warning prior to releasing scent. When the tail is raised, a skunk can discharge one or both glands to form a stream of liquid that disperses into a fine spray. This fluid can be directed accurately for up to 10 feet, and somewhat less accurately for up to 20 feet.
Skunks can discharge their scent glands several times within a short period.
The fluid is painful if it gets in a person's eyes and may cause temporary blindness for 15 minutes or so. Skunks can dig under foundations and take up residence under homes or in other buildings. They sometimes eat poultry and eggs, garden vegetables, and fruit. At times they prey on waterfowl and game bird nests and eggs. Skunks can damage lawns when they dig in search of insect larvae or roots.