A pet skunk is a skunk kept by humans for companionship and enjoyment. Although capable of living indoors with humans similarly to dogs or cats, pet skunks are relatively rare, partly due to restrictive laws and the complexity of their care. Pet skunks are mainly kept in the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy.

In the United States, pet skunks can be purchased from licensed animal shelters, non-profit skunk educational organizations such as the American Domestic Skunk Association, Inc., or breeders with a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Baby skunk availability peaks during springtime, immediately following the skunk mating season. Some large fur farms sell surplus skunks to pet stores.

Skunks are probably best known for their ability to spray foul-smelling fluid as a defense against predators. Most wild skunks spray only when injured or attacked, as a defense mechanism. The mercaptan-emitting scent glands are usually removed in pet skunks at about four weeks of age. Since 2007, this practice has been illegal in the UK , which has caused them to further decrease in popularity.

Noun

skunk (plural skunks)

1. Any of various small mammals, of the family Mephitidae, native to North and Central America, having a glossy black with a white coat and two musk glands at the base of the tail for emitting a noxious smell as a defensive measure.
2. (slang) A despicable person.
3. (slang) A type of strong marijuana.
4. (slang) A walkover victory in sports or board games, as when the opposing side is unable to score. Compare shutout.
5. (slang) A skinhead who is also a punk.
6. cribbage: A win by 30 or more points. (Double skunk > 60 points, triple skunk >90.).

Derived terms

• drunk as a skunk
• skunky

Ultra Skunk, Pet Skunk and Skunks @ UltraSkunk.com
... about Ultra Skunk, Pet Skunk and Skunks. ... exotic pets newsletter, pet related discussion and related links. Owners of Pet Skunks skunk-info.org ... Ultra Skunk X Px Ultra: Ultra ...
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See also:

• Science: Biology: Flora and Fauna: Animalia: Chordata: Mammalia: Carnivora: Mephitidae (16)

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• Owners of Pet Skunks
  skunk-info.org
  Topics dedicated to domestic skunk care, research, events, photos, rescues and organizations.
• Bella Online: Striped Skunk
  bellaonline.com
  Care instructions, exotic pets newsletter, pet related discussion and related links.
• Skunk Law
  skunklaw.com
  Dedicated to removing United States bans on domestic pen-raised skunks as pets and advocating for humane treatment of wild skunks. Overview and legal information, photographs, contact details, and links.

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• Usenet alt.pets.skunks - news: - Google Groups