Our planet is home to a host of creatures that emit some rather foul odors, but there's often a fascinating biological rationale behind these distinctive scents. Some animals spew pungent fluids at their adversaries, while others secrete malodorous substances to claim territory or safeguard their meals from would-be scavengers. Even more extreme are the creatures who will go to the lengths of regurgitating, defecating, or urinating on themselves or intruders to ensure their safety.
The Notorious Smell-Makers in the Animal Realm
If you happen upon any of these animals in their natural habitats, you might want to brace yourself for a sensory assault on your olfactory system. Here are some of the smelliest candidates from the animal kingdom:
The Peculiar Hoatzin, South America's Stinkbird
Height: Around 25.6 inches long
Weight: 1.78-2.2 pounds
Lifespan: 14-15 years in the wild, up to 30 years in captivity
Geographical Range: Throughout South America
What accounts for the Hoatzin's strong odor? This colorful avian resident of multiple South American countries, also known as the stinkbird, has a unique digestive system. It relies on bacterial fermentation in its lower esophagus and crop to break down plant-based meals. This process of foregut digestion gives off chemicals that emanate a smell resembling dung.
The Seasonally Smelly Bull Elephant of Africa
Height: 12-14 feet
Weight: A staggering 12,000-14,000 pounds
Lifespan: Can live up to 70 years
Geographical Range: Throughout Africa
The Bull Elephant isn't a consistently smelly animal. However, during the mating season, their testosterone levels shoot up by a remarkable 60 percent. Consequently, their pores secrete disagreeable hormones, and an astonishing 80 gallons of concentrated urine oozes out through their skin each day, cloaking them in a distinctly powerful aroma.
North America's Muskrat: A Smelly Swimmer
Height: 16-25 inches long
Weight: 1.5-4 pounds
Lifespan: 1-3 years
Geographical Range: Across North America
Muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents named for their 'musky' smell and rat-like appearance. These creatures are native to North American wetlands, and they have specialized anatomy, with webbed hind feet designed for swimming and smaller front feet used for digging. During the mating season, glands near the base of the muskrat's tail release an especially noxious musky odor.
More than Just a Stench
These animals have evolved their odorous traits for a multitude of reasons, from defending against predators to attracting mates. So the next time you catch a whiff of something unpleasant in the wild, remember: it's likely a survival strategy, perfected over millions of years.