I've posted mine but remind me how many letters for american skunk. ? have you any letter, its a good idea if put clue number and what letters you have, I can recommend an excellent site called one look dictionary and find I can do most puzzles with that site as it takes you to other places and can put letters in you have and will bring up a list of words to choose from, hope this helps.
.............. and, as to where one finds these answers ------ a lot of it is general knowledge, or knowing roots of words and then looking for the right one that fits, and, as pega says there are many good dictionary sites if you know some of the letters, or if you need anagrams.
Two sites I commonly use are www.chambersharrap.co.uk (and click on wordgames link, and then keep as a favourite site) and www.wordfun.ca
Good luck