Dealing with a skunk captured in a live trap requires a careful and methodical approach. The primary objective is to release the animal humanely without triggering its defensive spray mechanism. Achieving this goal depends on proceeding slowly and calmly, minimizing sudden movements or loud noises that the skunk might interpret as a direct threat. Skunks generally deploy their potent musk only when they feel cornered or unable to escape, making your composed demeanor the most powerful tool in the process.
Necessary Safety Preparations
Before approaching the trapped skunk, gather all necessary materials. Personal safety gear should include thick, puncture-resistant gloves and long sleeves, preferably on clothing you would not mind discarding if accidentally sprayed. Eye protection is important because skunk spray can reach up to ten feet and cause temporary blindness or irritation.
The essential tools involve a large, heavy blanket or tarp big enough to completely envelop the entire cage. This cover must be paired with a long pole, such as an extended painter’s pole or a sturdy stick, measuring at least ten feet long. This pole is indispensable for safely manipulating the trap door from a significant distance.
Applying the Trap Cover and Transport
The skunk’s poor eyesight is a factor you can use to your advantage. Approach the cage slowly, speaking softly to alert the animal to your presence without startling it. If the skunk begins stomping its feet or raising its tail, immediately freeze and wait for it to settle down before continuing your approach.
Once close, gently drape the heavy blanket or tarp completely over the cage, ensuring no light enters. Darkness has a profoundly calming effect on the skunk, reducing its anxiety and its tendency to spray. With the trap fully covered, handle it with care and move it to a safe transport vehicle, confirming the latch is securely closed. The covered trap should then be transported to a remote, wooded location at least one to two miles away from the capture site, provided local wildlife regulations permit relocation.
The Final Release Procedure
Once you have placed the covered trap at the release site, orient the trap door to face a clear escape route. Stand a minimum of ten feet away from the trap’s opening, positioning yourself far to the side or directly behind the cage, never in the skunk’s direct line of sight. This distance ensures the skunk’s defense mechanism cannot reach you.
Use the long pole to reach out and manipulate the trap’s latch mechanism, carefully opening the door fully. The door must not swing shut or block the exit, which would immediately trigger the skunk’s feeling of being re-trapped. After the door is secured open, retreat immediately and remain quiet and patient while watching from a safe distance. The skunk must be allowed to exit the trap entirely on its own schedule. Rushing or attempting to prod the animal will likely cause it to panic and spray the cage you hope to retrieve unharmed.
Handling Residual Skunk Odor
Skunk spray is composed of noxious sulfur-containing organic compounds called thiols, which are oily and do not dissolve in water. For the trap itself, and in the event of any accidental exposure to a pet or person, you must use a solution that chemically neutralizes these compounds rather than simply masking the smell. A highly effective homemade neutralizer can be prepared by mixing:
- One quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- A quarter cup of baking soda.
- One to two teaspoons of liquid dish soap.
This mixture should be prepared immediately before use, as it cannot be stored in a sealed container due to the chemical reaction. If cleaning the trap, scrub the solution thoroughly into the metal and rinse completely before allowing the cage to air out in direct sunlight. If a pet or person was sprayed, apply this mixture directly to the affected area, avoiding the eyes, and allow it to soak for about five minutes before rinsing. This process breaks down the thiols and neutralizes the lingering odor.