Skunks have a chemical in their scent gland spray that makes the smell stick to the proteins in skin and hair for a very long time, including on their own pelt.
Skunk spray permeates clothes, skin and fur, making it last for weeks. Research shows that a skunk’s odor will last at least 14-21 days if left untreated. The longer you wait to wash it off, the harder it will be to be free of that nasty odor.
You can smell skunk spray from miles away if the wind conditions are right.
How do you get rid of the smell of skunk spray on your pelts? »»