Skunks are common wildlife that sometimes cause property damage by digging for insects or establishing dens under porches, sheds, and decks. Their primary defense mechanism, a potent and long-lasting musky spray, makes interacting with them a challenge. When a skunk becomes a persistent nuisance, live-trapping offers a humane method for removal. This guide details the procedures for safely capturing a skunk while adhering to state and local wildlife protection laws.
Legal Considerations and Personal Safety Preparation
Before setting any trap, consult local and state wildlife agencies to understand the specific regulations governing nuisance animal control. Wildlife laws vary significantly by jurisdiction, often dictating whether a trapping license is required and which species may be trapped or relocated. Failure to comply with these rules can result in substantial fines and legal penalties.
A major legal consideration involves the relocation of skunks, which are classified as rabies vector species in many regions. Due to the risk of spreading infectious diseases, most jurisdictions strictly prohibit the transport and release of these animals, especially across county lines. Regulations may mandate that a trapped skunk be euthanized or released on-site, or permit relocation only within a short radius and with the receiving landowner’s permission.
Personal safety preparation is important because skunks can bite or scratch if threatened, introducing the possibility of disease transmission. Before approaching a trap, wear protective clothing, including thick, puncture-resistant gloves and safety glasses. Wear old clothing that fully covers the arms and legs, as this offers a barrier against errant spray and is disposable if contaminated. Have a clear plan for the immediate next steps after capture.
Selecting Bait and Setting the Live Trap
The choice of equipment ensures a humane and successful capture, requiring a non-lethal, covered live trap. A standard wire cage trap, approximately 24 inches long by 7 inches high and wide, is appropriate for an adult skunk. Ideally, a specialty trap with solid sides or a low-profile tube design is preferred. These models prevent the skunk from lifting its tail, minimizing the likelihood of a defensive spray.
Selecting the correct bait increases the chance of capturing only the target animal. Skunks are omnivores attracted to many foods, but avoid meat-based or strong-smelling fish baits, like canned cat food or sardines. Avoiding these prevents the accidental capture of non-target animals like neighborhood cats. Effective alternatives include peanut butter spread on bread, small amounts of apple, or marshmallows.
Place the bait at the far end of the trap, behind the trip pan, ensuring the skunk fully enters the cage before triggering the mechanism. Position the trap where skunk activity is evident, such as near a den entrance, along a fence line, or under a porch. The skunk must not be left in the trap for an extended period, so check it frequently, ideally within a few hours of darkness or at least once every morning.
Safe Handling of the Captured Skunk
The moment of capture requires caution, as the skunk will be stressed and likely to deploy its defensive spray. Skunks have poor eyesight and often react to sudden movement or sound as a threat. Approach the trap slowly and quietly, perhaps speaking in a low, calm voice to alert the animal to your presence without startling it.
The primary technique for preventing a spray involves covering the trap completely, which removes visual stimuli and calms the animal. Before moving within the skunk’s spraying range, use a large sheet, blanket, or tarp as a visual shield while slowly advancing toward the cage. Gently drape the cover over the entire trap, ensuring it is completely obscured before attempting to lift or move it.
Once the skunk is covered and calmed, the trap can be moved to the transport vehicle. Handle the covered trap with smooth, gentle motions, keeping it close to the ground to maintain the animal’s sense of security. Avoid sudden jolts or loud noises, as these can still provoke a defensive reaction even when the skunk is covered. Moving the trap to an open-bed truck or a secure, well-ventilated location is recommended before transport.
During the approach, observe the skunk for signs of illness, such as lethargy, uncoordinated movement, or excessive drooling. If the skunk exhibits behavior suggesting it is sick or injured, it should not be handled or transported. Contact local animal control or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately for professional assessment and assistance.
Relocation and Future Exclusion Strategies
If local regulations permit relocation, the skunk must be released in a suitable habitat, such as a wooded area, at the legally mandated distance from the capture site. A common relocation distance, if allowed, is approximately five miles, though this distance can vary widely. Place the covered trap with the door facing away from the operator. Open the door from a distance, perhaps using a long string or pole, allowing the skunk to exit on its own time.
Once the skunk is removed, the area it occupied must be immediately secured to prevent a new animal from moving in. The most effective long-term solution is exclusion, which involves sealing all access points to spaces under decks, sheds, or foundations. This requires installing heavy-gauge galvanized hardware cloth, which is more durable than chicken wire.
To prevent digging underneath the barrier, the hardware cloth should be buried approximately 10 to 18 inches deep. The bottom edge of the buried mesh should be bent outward at a 90-degree angle and extended at least 12 inches away from the structure, creating a subterranean L-shaped barrier. Removing potential food sources, such as fallen fruit, unsecured garbage, and outdoor pet food, reduces the attractiveness of the property to skunks.