I WONDER - How Does A Skunk Protect Itself?

Skunks use their spray as a defense mechanism in fights. If the spray doesn't work, they are left defenseless until they can reload. To avoid using their spray unnecessarily, skunks perform a warning dance to scare off potential threats.

Why do skunks prefer to scare other animals away instead of spraying immediately?

Under what condition do skunks choose not to spray?