Skunks are not too hard to trap. Below is a list of ideas to trap skunks efficiently. Place the trap in areas you've seen skunks.Make certain the trap is firm on the ground. Place a cover on the top of the trap.
I will explain these pieces of advice in more detail below, and provide tips on the best ways to avoid getting sprayed when you pick up the trap. Skunk trapping carries a particular consideration, namely that this creature can spray once caught in a trap! Transferring or dealing with the animal may be a risky challenge. If you wish to try to do it yourself, read my ways to get rid of skunks page - but I will let you know now that I advocate trapping as the finest, and best method! And remember: if you have trouble and would like to hire a professional like me, someone with expertise check out the information on our page.
Which type of trap catches skunks? There are lots of good types of traps of this kind. I tend to choose the Havahart 1079. But other versions will do too. Some people today use solid-wall traps to catch skunks, and these are a really great option. The skunk can not see you from such a trap, and what's more, it can not spray you. I have never had a skunk spray inside one of those traps. But they could be trickier for you to purchase. Even Home Depot sells big cage traps, but if you would like a good trap, you need to find one online and buy it.
Which sort of bait catches skunks? - Many people want to know what food grabs skunks. It is kind of a trick question. The best single bait for skunks is normally a meat-based bait, such as wet cat food. Dry cat food works also. The issue is that these baits may actually catch stray cats! So it may actually be best for you to use marshmallows, which do not attract cats. If you are feeling confident that cats will not be an issue, then go right ahead and use meat bait, such as cat food.
Where should I put the skunk trap? - Set it where you have seen the skunks. Most commonly, people usually have skunks living under their decks, sheds, porches, and so on. You are able to set traps on the edge of the porch. Or, you can install an exception barrier around the perimeter of the porch, but leave one little gap open, and place the trap with the open doorway facing the gap. This way, whenever the skunk tries to come out, it will have no option but to go in the trap. If you have just got skunks on your property, stealing pet food or harassing your pets or digging lots of small holes all over the yard (this procedure is known as yard grubbing), then you can set the trap pretty much anywhere, provided that the animal can smell the bait.
Alright, once I've trapped it, how can I stop it from spraying? Don't allow the skunk to see you. Gently and gradually approach it, and drape a sheet over the trap. If the skunk can not see, it can not spray. It will not spray if it does not know where to spray. When the sheet is over the cage, it will calm down. Having said that, it is still possible to watch the skunk and understand its behavior, and the three indications that it is going to spray.
Sign One: The skunk lifts its tail. If it does so, it is agitated, and giving you a warning of what it can do. Sign Two: When the skunk backs up away from you, with tail raised and fanned, and it begins stomping on the ground with its small front feet, then things are severe. Sign Three: When the skunk whip their back end around at you with their anus facing you, and they look back over their shoulder , tail high and flared, run! Run as fast as possible, since it's going to let loose with its horrible smelly spray! Again, you can wait out this agitated state, and plan later.
I must also point out that adult skunks have far greater control (like adult humans) Baby skunks are a lot more likely to misfire, prematurely spray, etc.. So keep that in mind. A young skunk is much riskier than an adult skunk, and must be treated accordingly.
What should I do with the skunk after I've caught it? - With the sheet still draped over the cage, put the skunk in the trunk of your car or bed of your truck, and put a rag down or tarp to block the dirt, and take the animal at least five miles away to an approved relocation point, if it is legal to do so in your state. Some states do not allow skunk relocation, but I do think it is possible to relocate with no issues.
