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What if I told you there's an animal that can stop a bear, scare away a mountain lion, and protect itself without using sharp teeth or claws? Today we're talking about the smelliest animal in nature, the skunk. I'm your host, Garrett Maroon, and before I introduce my three favorite and stinkiest explorers, let me give a huge thank you to Catherine from Longview, Texas, who gave us today's topic. If you want to say hi to the Nature Loving Kids, suggest a topic, get a birthday shout at, or send us a joke to use in the podcast, please email us at Nature LovingKidsPodcast at gmail.com. Now introducing my three favorite backyard explorers.

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Hi, I'm Hattie, and I already know what skunks are famous for. And I'm Dylan, and it's because they stink. I'm Ivy and I smell really good.

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You certainly do. Let's dive in. Sunks live throughout North and South America. There are several different kinds, but the striped skunk is the one most people recognize. They usually weigh between 5 and 15 pounds.

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So they're about the size of a house cat?

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Exactly. They have short legs, fluffy tails, and those famous black and white stripes.

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Why are they black and white instead of trying to hide?

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Great question. Their colors are actually a warning. It's nature's way of saying, please don't bother me. Now let's talk about the thing everyone knows. A skunk can spray a very powerful liquid from special scent glands.

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How far away can they spray?

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Up to about 10 to 15 feet. And here's the amazing part: they don't spray first.

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Really?

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Nope. A skunk gives several warnings first. It may stop its front feet, hiss, raise its tail, or turn around. It's basically saying, I really don't want to spray you. Please leave.

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So spraying is the last choice?

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Exactly. They'd rather avoid a fight altogether.

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Here's something many people don't know. Skunks are great helpers. How? They eat lots of things that people often consider pests, like beetles, grubs, mice, snakes, and grasshoppers. So they're kind of like nature's cleanup crew. Exactly. Farmers often appreciate having skunks nearby because they help control insects and rodents naturally.

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All right, I think it's time for some skunk jokes. Who has one?

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Me. What did a skunk say to the other skunk? What?

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He you have you heard the skunk joke? No? Never mind. It really stinks.

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Now you may not know that skunks don't see very well.

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Really? Yep. Instead, they depend on their amazing sense of smell and hearing.

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They mostly come out at night using their nose to search for food.

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So they're nighttime explorers.

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Exactly. Now here's the cutest fact. Baby skunks are called kits. When they're born, they can't see very well. Their mother protects them while they grow stronger. After a few months, the little kits begin exploring and learning how to survive.

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Can baby skunks spray too? They can, but they aren't very accurate at first. They have to learn just like many young animals do, too. Good thing they're practicing somewhere else. Yeah, or it would be stinky. One thing I really like about skunks is this. Even though they have an incredible defense, they don't want to use it.

SPEAKER_00 5:08

That's right, they warn first. They try to avoid conflict whenever possible. That reminds me of something the Bible teaches. Romans 12 18 says, if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Skunks are a neat reminder that having strength doesn't mean you have to use it all the time. Sometimes wisdom means avoiding a fight whenever you can. Alright, I think we have time for a few more skunk jokes. Spray it on me, kiddos.

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What do you call a flying skunk? What? A smell like copter.

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What do you get when you cross a bear and a skunk? What? Winnie the PU. And what do you get when you cross a robot and a skunk? R2 PU.

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Think about this. A small animal with one of the most powerful defenses in nature that would rather warn others than fight.

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That's actually pretty amazing.

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It really is. God designed even small animals with incredible ways to survive. Sunks may be famous for their smell, but they're also peaceful, helpful, and surprisingly gentle animals.

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From warning colors to their incredible defense system, they remind us that nature is full of amazing designs. If you like this episode, share it with a friend. And remember, click the follow button. New episode every Wednesday. And please leave a review. We read every one.

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And if you ever see a skunk, maybe just wave from far away.

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Until next time, stay curious, get outside, and remember.