<P> When born, skunk kits are blind, deaf, and covered in a soft layer of fur . About three weeks after birth, their eyes open . The kits are weaned about two months after birth, but generally stay with their mother until they are ready to mate, at about one year of age . </P> <P> The mother is protective of her kits, spraying at any sign of danger . The male plays no part in raising the young . </P> <P> Skunks are notorious for their anal scent glands, which they can use as a defensive weapon . They are similar to, though much more developed than, the glands found in species of the family Mustelidae . Skunks have two glands, one on each side of the anus . These glands produce the skunk's spray, which is a mixture of sulfur - containing chemicals such as thiols (traditionally called mercaptans), which have an offensive odor . A skunk's spray is powerful enough to ward off bears and other potential attackers . Muscles located next to the scent glands allow them to spray with a high degree of accuracy, as far as 3 m (10 ft). The smell aside, the spray can cause irritation and even temporary blindness, and is sufficiently powerful to be detected by a human nose up to 5.6 km (3.5 miles) down wind . Their chemical defense is effective, as illustrated by this extract from Charles Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle: </P> <P> We saw also a couple of Zorrillos, or skunks--odious animals, which are far from uncommon . In general appearance, the Zorrillo resembles a polecat, but it is rather larger and much thicker in proportion . Conscious of its power, it roams by day about the open plain, and fears neither dog nor man . If a dog is urged to the attack, its courage is instantly checked by a few drops of the fetid oil, which brings on violent sickness and running at the nose . Whatever is once polluted by it, is for ever useless . Azara says the smell can be perceived at a league distant; more than once, when entering the harbour of Monte Video, the wind being off shore, we have perceived the odour on board the Beagle . Certain it is, that every animal most willingly makes room for the Zorrillo . </P>

Where does the smell of the skunk go