A skunk is a nocturnal mammal that sprays a foul-smelling liquid when threatened.
The spray is a defensive secretion produced by specialized anal glands. Skunks can aim it several metres away, and the sulfur-containing chemicals called thiols create the familiar, powerful odor. The spray can irritate the eyes and temporarily impair vision, giving the skunk time to escape.
Skunks are most active after dark and are opportunistic omnivores. They eat insects, grubs, small vertebrates, eggs, fruit, and other available foods. Their bold black-and-white coloring serves as a warning signal: predators that recognize the pattern may avoid approaching.
A common mix-up is confusing skunks with porcupines or badgers. Porcupines defend themselves with quills, while badgers may fight aggressively; neither normally sprays the characteristic skunk musk. Skunks are members of the family Mephitidae, not the weasel family, although they were once grouped with mustelids.