# Bolivian skunk ranch or bunk? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\ **Created:** [July 15, 2019, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141 "2019-07-15T17:52:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Max\_S](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2019, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/1 "2019-07-15T17:52:13Z")
Cecil once mentioned a “Bolivian skunk ranch” in what I assume was hyperbole (Adams, 1988). But is there really such a thing as a Bolivian skunk ranch? There are two ways to read this question, depending on how we distribute the word “Bolivian”. Are there skunk ranches in Bolivia? Or alternatively, are there ranches for Bolivian skunks? ~Max Adams, C. (April 8, 1988). Is it true gelatin is made from decaying animal hides? _The Straight Dope_. Retrieved from [Is it true gelatin is made from decaying animal hides? - The Straight Dope](https://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/684/is-it-true-gelatin-is-made-from-decaying-animal-hides/) ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2019, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/2 "2019-07-15T17:54:31Z")
It’s a joke. There are no skunk ranches in Bolivia, or for Bolivian skunks, whichever way you parse the phrase. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2019, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/3 "2019-07-15T17:55:28Z")
Also, moved to Comments on Cecil’s Columns. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2019, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/4 "2019-07-15T17:56:32Z")
It’s right next to the Venezuelan Beaver Cheese shop. ---
**Author:** ![furryman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/furryman/32/99_2.png) [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2019, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/5 "2019-07-15T18:02:06Z")
There was a skunk works in Dogpatch. There is a Skunk Works in the government. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2019, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/6 "2019-07-15T18:56:48Z")
There is only one species of skunk in Bolivia, [Molina’s Hog-nosed Skunk.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molina%27s_hog-nosed_skunk) At one time skunk pelts were used in the fur trade, and their musk has been used as a foundation for perfumes. There were [limited efforts to farm skunks](https://www.truthaboutfur.com/blog/skunk-fur-forsaken/) for their fur in the first half of the 20th Century, but the last commercial farms closed decades ago. It’s just too difficult to market it. Most people don’t want to be associated with skunks no matter how attractive the fur might be. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2019, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/7 "2019-07-15T19:08:20Z")
> [@furryman](#): > > There was a skunk works in Dogpatch. > There is a Skunk Works in the government. The Dogpatch Skonk Works were where Hairless Joe and Lonesome Polecat brewed up [Kickapoo Joy Juice](https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/370618050405_/Lil-Abner-KICKAPOO-JOY-JUICE-AL-CAPP-signed.jpg) from skunks, old tires, and whatever else was laying around. [Lockheed’s secretive development program for jet fighters](https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/business-areas/aeronautics/skunkworks/skunk-works-origin-story.html)was named after it in 1943. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_S](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2019, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/8 "2019-07-15T20:01:32Z")
**Colibri** beat me to it, but I felt compelled to finish my train of thought. To start out, I don’t know anything about skunks. I’ve seen a skunk in Bambi and maybe one at a zoo. We get raccoons and one of them may have been a skunk, but I never noticed the difference. Lucky me. The first part of this inquiry is to determine whether there is such a thing as a “Bolivian skunk”. If there are no skunks in Bolivia, the main question is definitively answered in the negative. So I being my research on this most important matter by consulting my encyclopedia, Wikipedia. Wikipedia classifies the skunk as “North and South American mammals in the family Mephitidae” (“Skunk”, 2019). The extant genera are listed as _Conepatus_, _Mephitis_, and _Spilogale_. The page for _Conepatus_, or the Hog-nosed skunk, shows four species. The pictoral and text description on _Conepatus_ ranges shows that only one species, _Conepatus chinga_, is found in Bolivia (“Hog-nosed skunk”, 2019). The page for _Mephitis_ says both of its species are exclusive to North America (“Mephitis (genus)”, 2019). The page for _Spilogale_ says all four of its species are exclusive to North America (“Spotted skunk”, 2019). Therefore, assuming Bolivia is not known for importing skunks, the next question is whether _Conepatus chinga_ is found on ranches anywhere. And it would seem that the answer to this is no. Of all the species of skunk, “[o]ne of the least known species is the common hog-nosed skunk, _C. chinga_” (internal citations omitted; Donadio et al., 2001). “[L]ittle is known about the Andean hog-nosed skunk ecology, including its foods” (Travaini et al., 2006). The University of Michigan’s unofficial zoology encyclopedia says “[m]uch is unknown about the lifespan of _Conepatus chinga_” (Afflerbaugh, 2002). My thought is that if you farm an animal you tend to learn how long they live, what they eat, etc. It is hard to imagine such a thing as a _C. chinga_ ranch exists now, let alone when Cecil’s column was written in 1988. There are some domesticated skunks, but from what I can tell these are of a different, North American species. Some U.S. states legalize domestic skunks but most don’t, and some of those that do so only allow one per person. Canada doesn’t issue permits for the importation of skunks as personal pets (CFIA, 2018). The U.S. Department of Agriculture website didn’t give me a straight answer about importing pet skunks, or live skunks at all (APHIS, 2018). And then **Colibri** has said there are no more commercial ranches for fur harvest. ~Max Afflerbaugh, K. (2002). “Conepatus chinga” (On-line). Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved July 15, 2019 from [ADW: Conepatus chinga: INFORMATION](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Conepatus_chinga/) APHIS Pet Travel. (2018). Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Retrieved July 15, 2019 from [USDA APHIS | APHIS Pet Travel](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel) Importing or Travelling with Foxes, Skunks, Raccoons and Ferrets as Pets. (2018). Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Retrieved July 15, 2019 from [https://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/imports/policies/live-animals/pets/ferrets-etc-/eng/1331923269633/1331923405610](https://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/imports/policies/live-animals/pets/ferrets-etc-/eng/1331923269633/1331923405610) Hog-nosed skunk. (n.d.). In _Wikipedia_. Retrieved July 15, 2019 from [Hog-nosed skunk - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hog-nosed_skunk) Mephitis (genus). (n.d.). In _Wikipedia_. Retrieved July 15, 2019 from [Mephitis (genus) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mephitis_(genus)) Skunk. (n.d.). In _Wikipedia_. Retrieved July 15, 2019 from [Hog-nosed skunk - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hog-nosed_skunk&oldid=891409424) Spotted skunk. (n.d.). In _Wikipedia_. Retrieved July 15, 2019 from [Spotted skunk - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spotted_skunk) Travaini, A., Delibes, M. & Ceballos, O. (2006). Summer foods of the Andean hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus chinga) in Patagonia. _Journal of Zoology_, 246(4). [https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1998.tb00180.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1998.tb00180.x) ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2019, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/9 "2019-07-16T00:18:12Z")
> [@Max\_S](#): > > My thought is that if you farm an animal you tend to learn how long they live, what they eat, etc. It is hard to imagine such a thing as a _C. chinga_ ranch exists now, let alone when Cecil’s column was written in 1988. Just one of the lost secrets of the 20th Century 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![John\_W.Kennedy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_w.kennedy/32/1031_2.png) [@John\_W.Kennedy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_W.Kennedy)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2019, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/10 "2019-07-16T03:04:57Z")
I can’t help but think it’s an homage to Reggie Perrin. “I didn’t get where I am today by everything smelling of Bolivian unicyclist’s jock-strap.” ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2019, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/11 "2019-07-16T16:14:51Z")
Could you even get anyone to work there if there was such a place?! A single skunk hit by a car emits a stench that lingers on the highway for a long time. I can only imagine what a ranch full of them would smell like. LOL ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2019, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/12 "2019-07-16T17:24:28Z")
They probably wouldn’t smell at all. It’s not hard to surgically remove a skunk’s scent glands, and one imagines that would be a routine procedure at a skunk ranch. ---
**Author:** ![Sangahyando](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f14d63/32.png) [@Sangahyando](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sangahyando)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2019, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/13 "2019-07-16T17:30:06Z")
> [@furryman](#): > > There was a skunk works in Dogpatch. > There is a Skunk Works in the government. > [@Colibri](#): > > The Dogpatch Skonk Works were where Hairless Joe and Lonesome Polecat brewed up [Kickapoo Joy Juice](https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/370618050405_/Lil-Abner-KICKAPOO-JOY-JUICE-AL-CAPP-signed.jpg) from skunks, old tires, and whatever else was laying around. [Lockheed’s secretive development program for jet fighters](https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/business-areas/aeronautics/skunkworks/skunk-works-origin-story.html)was named after it in 1943. There was a skunk works in Dogpatch Where all skunks they were able to catch, To a Juice they distilled: Folks with joy, it sure filled – Sent them soon, though, to town’s booby-hatch. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2019, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/14 "2019-07-16T17:47:11Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > They probably wouldn’t smell at all. It’s not hard to surgically remove a skunk’s scent glands, and one imagines that would be a routine procedure at a skunk ranch. You’re hired! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2019, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/15 "2019-07-17T01:03:49Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > Could you even get anyone to work there if there was such a place?! A single skunk hit by a car emits a stench that lingers on the highway for a long time. I can only imagine what a ranch full of them would smell like. LOL > [@Loudon Wainwright III](#): > > Crossin’ the highway late last night > He shoulda looked left and he shoulda looked right > He didn’t see the station wagon car > The skunk got squashed and there you are > > You got your > Dead skunk in the middle of the road > Dead skunk in the middle of the road > Dead skunk in the middle of the road > Stinkin’ to high heaven Ah, the '70’s. Real music. ---
**Author:** ![svd678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@svd678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/svd678)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2019, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/16 "2019-07-20T04:59:11Z")
A ranch full of skunks wouldn’t smell any worse than the same number of gerbils, rats or any other animals. They do not stink; however, if you disturb their equanimity they will make you and the neighborhood around smell powerfully. We lived for months with a family of skunks living under our porch. Many times we entered or left to see a skunk on the other end of the porch peacably watching us. In fact I took a flash photo of one in our garbage can at night, without any offensive results. If you smell it, its upset, as one hit by a car would be. I’ve heard of unfixed skunks as pets, although that seems tempting their good humor. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_S](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2019, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/17 "2019-07-20T15:11:07Z")
> [@svd678](#): > > A ranch full of skunks wouldn’t smell any worse than the same number of gerbils, rats or any other animals. They do not stink; however, if you disturb their equanimity they will make you and the neighborhood around smell powerfully. We lived for months with a family of skunks living under our porch. Many times we entered or left to see a skunk on the other end of the porch peacably watching us. In fact I took a flash photo of one in our garbage can at night, without any offensive results. If you smell it, its upset, as one hit by a car would be. I’ve heard of unfixed skunks as pets, although that seems tempting their good humor. What about baby skunks? Babies of other races have trouble controlling their bodily fluids. ~Max ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2019, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolivian-skunk-ranch-or-bunk/837141/18 "2019-07-20T16:02:48Z")
> [@Max\_S](#): > > What about baby skunks? Babies of other races have trouble controlling their bodily fluids. > > ~Max Baby skunks start developing their anal glands at the age of a few weeks, and can control the direction of spray at three months. But they still need to release it voluntarily. They might spray in panic, but they don’t let the scent loose involuntarily as a baby animal might urinate or defecate.