The other night I saw a skunk. I began to wonder, how far?

Question

can the critter shoot his juice and how long to reload? What is the best method to retreat from the animal once you discover him? I stopped dead then slow, but concisently back way.

Answer 1

They can spray about 10 feet on average.  Skunks do not spray for no reason..they are not going to spray you just because you are close to them...sure if you chased the skunk and cornered it..it might then spray you.  I get them in my yard all the time and have gotten pretty close to photograph them..mostly they just run from me.  Just do not threaten or corner it and you should be fine.  

Answer 2

If he stands on his back legs that's a warning so back off because they have been knowned to spray at least 20ft and can use it's stink about 4 times.

Answer 3

you handled it right

the skunk isn't interested in spraying you for fun...it is his defense mechanism

If he sprays once, you won't care about reload time

A skunk shot off in the next yard...even with all the doors and windows closed in my house, my eyes were watering for hours.

Answer 4

animals rule is right.