Trapping and Removing Skunks
Trapping
Skunks
If all efforts to dissuade problem skunks fail, you may feel the need to trap the animals.
A wildlife damage control company such as Animal Evictor Should be hired to do the trapping.
It is usually best to let someone with experience trapping skunks do the work. Because skunks often live in groups, multiple traps are necessary to trap them out of an area. If you choose to do the trapping yourself,
Removing Skunks from Window Wells and other Areas
Occasionally, striped skunks get stranded in window wells and similar areas. If this occurs, slowly lower in a rough board that is long enough to act as a ramp from the bottom to the top of the window well. Because striped skunks cannot climb a steep slope, the board should lean at no more than a 45 degree angle. You may need to attach wood cleats or a heavy piece of cloth so that the skunk can grip the board.
Crouch when approaching the area to stay out of sight of the skunk. If possible, have a second person on hand, with a vantage point high enough to see the skunk, and to warn you if the animal is becoming agitated.
Another method is to tie the board to the end of a long pole and lower it into the area. Once the board is placed, keep people and pets away from the area until nightfall, when the skunk should leave on its own. If the skunk doesn’t leave, it probably can’t get out because the board is positioned at too steep an angle.
Another approach is to place smelly cheese or cat food in the back of a small garbage can or a cat carrier. Slowly lower the can or carrier sideways into the window well with the open end facing the skunk. The skunk will smell the bait and go inside. When it does, slowly raise the skunk and carrier, elevator style, to ground level, keeping your hands on the outside so you don’t risk being bitten. Leave the area and the skunk will amble out—probably after it is done eating.
Screen the top of the well to prevent the problem from reoccurring. Commercial well covers are available.
If all efforts to dissuade problem skunks fail, you may feel the need to trap the animals.
A wildlife damage control company such as Animal Evictor Should be hired to do the trapping.
It is usually best to let someone with experience trapping skunks do the work. Because skunks often live in groups, multiple traps are necessary to trap them out of an area. If you choose to do the trapping yourself,
Removing Skunks from Window Wells and other Areas
Occasionally, striped skunks get stranded in window wells and similar areas. If this occurs, slowly lower in a rough board that is long enough to act as a ramp from the bottom to the top of the window well. Because striped skunks cannot climb a steep slope, the board should lean at no more than a 45 degree angle. You may need to attach wood cleats or a heavy piece of cloth so that the skunk can grip the board.
Crouch when approaching the area to stay out of sight of the skunk. If possible, have a second person on hand, with a vantage point high enough to see the skunk, and to warn you if the animal is becoming agitated.
Another method is to tie the board to the end of a long pole and lower it into the area. Once the board is placed, keep people and pets away from the area until nightfall, when the skunk should leave on its own. If the skunk doesn’t leave, it probably can’t get out because the board is positioned at too steep an angle.
Another approach is to place smelly cheese or cat food in the back of a small garbage can or a cat carrier. Slowly lower the can or carrier sideways into the window well with the open end facing the skunk. The skunk will smell the bait and go inside. When it does, slowly raise the skunk and carrier, elevator style, to ground level, keeping your hands on the outside so you don’t risk being bitten. Leave the area and the skunk will amble out—probably after it is done eating.
Screen the top of the well to prevent the problem from reoccurring. Commercial well covers are available.
This information was provided by the Washington State Department of Fish an Wildlife, Russell Link, and Michael Holmquist
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