We love watching baby animals practice the skills they’ll need as adults. Skills like play fighting, stalking, and learning to look intimidating are all part of growing up, and it’s always adorable to watch.
In August 2025, Cincinnati Zoo welcomed a baby skunk named Marshmallow to its family. Over the past month, they’ve shared videos of him that have charmed us all. In the latest clip, Marshmallow is practicing his “big tough” skunk scoots, and people can’t get enough. Make sure your sound is on so you can hear his tiny squeaks and squeals, they’re the cutest part!
Sorry, Marshmallow, you’re way too cute to be big and tough, but we’ll give you an A for effort! Commenter @Melissa Welch agreed, and got 230,000 likes when she shared, “What a lil stinker.”
Cincinnati Zoo’s video went viral fast, with more than 14 million views, 3 million likes, and 12,000 comments. We’re all in love with little Marshmallow!
Related: Video of Baby Skunk Trying to Be Intimidating Is the Cutest Thing You’ll See Today
Can Baby Skunks Spray?
Why was Marshmallow practicing his big tough skunk scoots? Wildlife Rescuers explained in another video of a baby skunk trying to be intimidating, “This little baby is showing the classic stomps and his best puffed-up pose, trying hard to look bigger and scarier. Even though he’s tiny, he looks fierce, using these moves to warn off anything that might be a threat. If he were serious, he’d turn around, point his tail, and start lunging back and forth. What’s funny is that dogs often mistake this body language for playtime!”
This made us wonder, when are baby skunks able to spray? Champions for Wildlife had the answer, “By three months, the kit (baby skunk) will be able to spray, although their aim may still need some improvement. By six months, when they go out on their own, they have pretty accurate spraying abilities.”
Biology Insights shared that “skunks are naturally docile, possessing a shy, nocturnal temperament, and generally prefer to avoid confrontations with humans and other animals.” They use their spray as a last resort, but you’ll know if they’re feeling threatened, skunks “may hiss, squeal, or hiss, and they often give warning signs such as stomping their feet or raising their tails before resorting to spraying.”
While skunks only spray when they’re frightened or intimidated, they can spray up to 15 feet, so never try to approach one unless you want to smell like a skunk!
This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Sep 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.