A skunk's body manufactures the oil which is stored in little sacs near its tail. When a spotted skunk is frightened, up go its hind quarters. Its body balances on the front feet, and the oil squirts out in a fine spray. The spray won't hurt you, unless it gets directly into your eyes, but it will ruin your clothes. The odor is so hard to remove that most people don't even try.
Skunk oil is very unpleasant to most people, but skunks themselves are friendly little animals. When their oil sacs have been removed, skunks make very good pets.
