In process of doing nuisance skunk job and after successful catch yesterday brought critter home to process and was totally surprised almost overwhelmed with the amount of fat on this big Ole male, had to have close to or more that 1/4 inch of fat on it and absolutely zero essence in either scent gland. Had to cut away fat to even find them.
Almost thinking might of been a pet that either got turned loose or escaped.

Did it have glands? Pets usually have have theirs removed

Probed and cut fat away and have to admit that I did not actually locate the glands. The skunks behavior in the cage acted similar to a wild skunk with the stamping of front feet and turning lifted tail to me.

I had a descented pet skunk back in the day-when he got surprized or startled he would still raise his tail and do the foot stomp and the odd handstand.
He would eat anything I gave him and packed on a whole lot of fat in the fall.

Half of my early ones have no essence here, but not too much fat yet

Glad to hear they put on fat early! It suggests they’re heading towards primeness early too

Picked up a few large skunks with an inch of fat on their back. Had them with dry glands or loaded for bear with up to 2 oz!