Trapping Skunks In a Trap

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The best way to take care of a problem with skunks on a property is to physically trap and remove the skunks. Skunk trapping isn't terribly difficult - that is, getting the skunk into the cage. Skunks eat a variety of foods. The difficulty can often be in avoiding a spray. If you use an open cage trap, then a skunk could, of course, spray right through it. For this reason, some people like to use solid-walled spray-proof skunk traps. However, a skilled wildlife trapper should never have a problem with spraying.



Approach the animal with caution, and know what signs to look for. If the animal appears agitated, if it is stamping its front paws, or God-forbid it turns its back to you and lifts its tail, then get out of the way. However, it should never come to that. Approach the animal in a non-alarming and non-threatening way, and you should be fine. If in doubt, before you pick up the cage, simply place a cloth of some sort, like a towel, over the cage as you transport the animal. If you are putting it in a vehicle, best to put it in the back of a pickup truck just in case. It's rare that a skunk will spray inside a vehicle, but it can happen from time to time.

What bait to use? Marshmallows work great, and they don't lure in stray cats. But if cats aren't a problem, feel free to bait the trap with either wet or dry cat food.

If you want to hire a pro from my list, read How much does skunk removal cost?
Find out about various skunk repellent options, and learn why trapping is better!

Skunk Trapping Tips
Many people hear the word skunk and cringe slightly at the thought of the odor. That?s because they are an animal that often lives near and around humans and inevitably some interaction happens in most often the form of a stinky dog. This is because skunks are attracted to the waste that we leave outside- to them it is an easy meal and about nothing is more tempting to skunks and frankly to most wildlife, than an easy meal.

The problem is that skunks can become a pest because of this and also because of the smell which is their natural defense. Because of that it is understandable that you may want to catch the skunk and release it in a more natural habitat where it and you will be happier. Trapping a skunk is not necessarily an easy task and care should be taken when performing the trapping. It can be dangerous to you and to the skunk as well.

The Trap
A trap to catch a skunk should be big enough for the size of the skunk and the sides should be solid as to prevent you from getting that defensive spray on you. The size should be about the same that you would use for a raccoon and have enough space to place the bait far enough inside that when it triggers it will not harm the skunk and it will trap him. The bait that can be used is wet cat food. A lot of animals will not eat cat food but skunks are attracted to it and will eat it. Of course you could also end up with something else in the trap as possums and raccoons will go for the cat food; not mention a feral cat. Some people recommend using marshmallows when you?re in an area that has a high population of cats which skunks love and cats dislike.

The Location
You must place the trap in a place that is close to where the skunks normally are. If you have seen them in an area, then try to place it as close to that area as possible. Then cover the trap and make it feel almost like a den inside. Something that makes the skunk feel safe is more likely to get it to go into the trap.

Skunks are intelligent animals and if the trap is not covered they may not go in no matter how enticing the bait may be. Once you have trapped the skunk, you want to release it at least ten miles away. That will prevent it from returning. The area should be a wooded habitat with no homes around it. If you can release in a nature preserve that is encouraged because a skunk will be able to find whatever it needs in that area.

Get A Professional
The most important thing when trying to catch and release wildlife is to get a professional. They are trained to get animals that have become a pest and they will even drive the skunk to its new home. Not only is it the most humane way to get the skunk off of your property, it is also safer for you. Wild life can carry diseases and skunks are known for rabies in particular and a professional will take all the precautions necessary to ensure safety.

They also already have all the right equipment, which if you tried to catch a skunk yourself you would have to buy; so hiring a professional would not only be the safest option, but it may also be the most cost effective one. The only reason to not go with a professional would be if there are none in your area, in which case the above skunk trapping tips will help you with freeing yourself of this nuisance.

Finally-The Skunked Dog
For the most part, if you?re reading this you?re sitting next to Fido who downright stinks, hopefully that is all he walked away with from his encounter with the skunk. The best remedy for this is a bath that uses dish soap, baking soda and peroxide. If this isn?t handy several strong vinegar rinses followed with intermittent dish soap baths will help cut the scent. Read about how to remove skunk smell from a dog.



Read any of the below for more skunk information:
About Skunks - Biology Information
What Should I Do With A Skunk After I Catch It?
Do Mothballs Or Ammonia Help Repel Skunks?
Should I Feed A Baby Skunk That I Found?
What Should I Do If I Find A Nest Of Baby Skunks?
What Should I Do If I Find An Orphaned Baby Skunk Wandering About?
What Is The Best Bait To Trap A Skunk?
Will The City Or County Animal Services Help Me With A Skunk Issue?
What Kind Of Damage Do Skunks Cause Under A House?
Is A Skunk That Is Active During The Daytime Rabid?
What Is A Skunk's Natural Diet And How Does It Get Its Food?
What Diseases Do Skunks Carry?

AAAnimal Control is a professional nuisance wildlife control company. It is my goal to provide information so that you can solve your wildlife problem in an effective and responsible manner. Wildlife services include animal trapping, capture & removal, plus animal damage repairs and preventative measures. We also offer biological cleanup and many other services. You can always browse this site for more details and info, about skunk removal. If you live elsewhere in the US and have found this site and need a local trapper in your area, click here for a nationwide list of 100's of professional skunk removal experts.