Crossword Genius

Drunk sank, close to coma, falling for reeling Brit (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

skunk

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'brit' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for skunk that I've seen before include "Animal with foul scent" , "Smelly animal" , "Mammal using scent as a weapon" , "Marijuana - scumbag" , "rat" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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