Why Are Skunks Smelly? Lesson 151

Skunks have a stinky reputation, but if we can learn to look past the stink, we can see how God designed these marvelous mammals and why they’re very important in creation. Discover the chemistry of a skunk’s stinky spray and how they can help us care for outcasts and “the least of these.”

Here’s our trail map:

• What Is a Skunk?
• Why Do Skunks Spray?
• Why Did God Make Skunks?
• How Can We Care For The “Least of These”?

Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-skunks-spray/

Learn About Other Animals With Unfortunate Reputations:

• Why Are Foxes So Sneaky?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/938d10c7-f28a-496b-a48a-e288b1a9f4d7/
• Are Bats Blind?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/56235373-ab56-4920-aeaf-29af9b2f2a7a/
• Why Are Bats Great Gardeners?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e2851257-6ed1-477e-bd47-2321e54de717/
• Why Did God Make Mosquitoes?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f5ee174c-95fa-42ea-a703-f47dcf3ffffd/

Eryn's Books:

• Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/wonder
• Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/marvel
• The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
• Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
• 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

• Explore trusted Biblically-based books, curriculum ,and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/member
• Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
• Free Skunk Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-skunks-spray/
• Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“...God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b (NCV)

“‘I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

Then the good people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you alone and away from home and invite you into our house? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?’

Then the King will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.’” Matthew 25:35-40 (NCV)

“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:34-35 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Musteloidea: A large group (superfamily) of mammals that includes skunks, weasels, mink, and otters; many members of this group have scent glands.
• Mephitidae: The skunk family—a group of mammals known for producing a powerful, smelly spray for defense.
• Gland: A part of the body that produces and releases something the body needs or uses.
• Thiol: A chemical compound made of two hydrogen and sulfur.
• Sulfur: A naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil, living things, and many chemicals.
• Biological Control: A living thing that helps control (or reduce) another living thing that could cause problems.

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