Stepping into your backyard only to be doused in the pungent, unmistakable stench of a skunk is every homeowner's worst nightmare. As soon as you're sprayed, focus on getting away from the animal, especially if it seems aggressive or rabid. Skunk spray is packed with volatile sulfur compounds called thiols that bind fast to skin and fabric, meaning every second counts. If you've just had a close encounter of the worst kind in your yard, you need an immediate action plan to stop the stink before it spreads. If you have an unfortunate run-in with a skunk, you'll need to act fast, skip the useless myths, and tackle the oily residue head-on.