June Ann Mosley, age 10, of Philadelphia, Pan., for her question:

WHERE DOES A SKUNK PRODUCE HIS ODOR?

The skunk's odor is in an oily chemical made by special glands. These glands are located under his fluffy tail. Tiny holes and special muscles squirt the stuff out in a fine spray. When he fires off his chemical weapon, the skunk turns his back on his enemy and raises his tail. So none of the smelly stuff gets on his own fur.

Actually, the skunk is a peaceable character and a fair fighter. Before he fires, he faces his foe, stamps a foot and growls. Sometimes his enemy is too silly to take warning. Then the skunk swings around, lifts up his tail and squirts his spray. He aims at his enemy's face  but the ghastly smell spreads far and wide.