>> I do rather like skunks. Not native to Britain, but they're cute to look at. As long as they don't get alarmed and go on the defensive.<<

Skunks prefer not to use their main gun. It is biologically expensive to reload, they have very limited ammunition, and they're not fond of the smell either. Hence why they have a warning routine to discourage predators. So if you see a skunk, you can just stand there, or make a bit of noise, and the skunk will typically scurry away. I usually just say, "Excuse me, this is human territory."

To fire, they must aim their anal glands at a target and lift their tail. A skunk can't hit you if it's facing you; although it can release a cloud, it usually won't.

>> I am lucky enough never to have smelled skunk. <<

It's a lot like rotten egg, but more persistent.