Facts about the Striped Skunk They are notorious for spraying a foul-smelling musk as a defense mechanism. Spraying is always a last resort; they first use warnings like foot-stomping and hissing. Skunks can aim their spray accurately up to 10–15 feet. They can only spray about five times before needing several days to "recharge." Their black and white pattern is a warning sign to predators. They are primarily active at night, which is why their eyes shine brightly in the dark. They are omnivore