The skunk is famous for its black-and-white striped coat and defensive scent spray.
Skunks produce a strong-smelling liquid in anal scent glands. When threatened, many species can aim this spray at a predator from several metres away. The odor comes largely from sulfur-containing thiols and can be difficult to remove from clothing or fur.
Warning displays often come before spraying. A skunk may raise its tail, stamp its feet, hiss, or turn its rear toward the threat. The bold contrasting pattern may help advertise that approaching it carries a cost.
Skunks are omnivores and eat insects, small vertebrates, eggs, fruit, and other foods. Their black-and-white coloring is sometimes confused with that of badgers, but badgers do not have the same characteristic chemical defense.