Actually skunks do serve a purpose as mother natures cleanup crew and A skunk would rather run and hide than use its best form of defence, which is spraying. When forced to do so, they emit a small amount of putrid odor to defend themselves. They are extremely passive agressive, much like a porcupine. I sometimes wish I could emit the same putrid stench to slow moving waitresses that never refill my coffee in the morning. :) We loved goober and he was so playful. He would even give hugs and whine when he wanted to be held. I was very lucky to have him in my life for the time I did and I will be forever changed. I am one of those people who now drives a little slower at night down the highway watching for wildlife on the roads just because of him and he showed me that wildlife and animals can successfully coexist:)