Crowd Control Using Skunk Spray

Now here’s an example of thinking out of the box. I never knew it but the Israeli Defense Forces have started using a special chemical designed to smell like skunk. They spray it into crowds with a water cannon and say it works great, sending people running from the scene to try and shower the nasty smelling substance off their bodies.

The material used is said to be an organic and non-toxic blend of baking powder, yeast, and other ingredients. Deriving its name from the animal of the same name, "Skunk" is dispersed as a form of yellow mist, fired from a water cannon, which leaves a powerful odor similar to rot or sewage on whatever it touches. Skunk is also sold in handheld canisters and in grenades which can be thrown or fired as projectiles. The company now markets Skunk to law enforcement agencies worldwide, specifically American local police departments. It was purchased by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department near Ferguson, Missouri.

A BBC reporter describes its effects as follows:

“Imagine the worst, most foul thing you have ever smelled. An overpowering mix of rotting meat, old socks that haven’t been washed for weeks – topped off with the pungent waft of an open sewer. . .Imagine being covered in the stuff as it is liberally sprayed from a water cannon. Then imagine not being able to get rid of the stench for at least three days, no matter how often you try to scrub yourself clean.”

We used to pour tomato juice over our hunting dogs that got sprayed. We’d let the juice soak in and then wash it off. That helped, but you still didn’t want that dog around for three or four days.

Personally. I think this is a really great idea. It’s non-lethal and very effective. If you’ve never smelled someone hit by a skunks spray --trust me, you’ll never forget how awful it is and how hard it is to get rid of. 

Live Long and Prosper...