Skunk in a Trap?

You didn’t want to, but there it is… in all its black and white striped glory and stinky potential.

You’ve caught a skunk in a live trap you set out for a groundhog. Now what?

In this post you’ll find:

Encouragement
A video how-to demonstration
A prevention/preparation tip

First of all, be encouraged. You can do this! Skunks do not want to spray and they do not want to hurt you. In fact, skunks are generally very calm and not aggressive creatures. They spray only as a last resort: when they think that they are in mortal jeopardy. And, because they don’t have a quick reload of their spray, they give warning signs before letting it fly.

So, if you have a skunk in a trap, keep calm and don’t do anything rash. As long as you (or pets) don’t scare the skunk through surprise, noise, etc., the skunk won’t arbitrarily spray.

The best way to deal with an unitended skunk in a live trap is to

Cover the trap
Open the trap and let the skunk walk out and away

Getting a covering over the trap (like a blanket or towel) is the first step to success.

Getting a cover over the trap has many advantages a few of which are:

keeps the skunk calm
with no “predator” visualized, there is no need for spray
keeps you calm because you can’t see skunk as you are opening the trap

How to Video: Covering a Skunk in a Cage

Here are two videos where Ryan covers traps. He also offers advice.

As you can see, there is nothing too special about getting the trap covered. You can do it.

We are certain that some creative folks can probably think of numerous ways to get the trap covered without even getting this close.

Just remember: slow and steady and calm. If the skunk gives a warning sign like stamping its feet or putting its tail up, just stop your advance and wait it out.

Once the trap is covered, the skunk will feel safe and the coverer’s heart rate will return to normal. Then you can go about getting the trap’s door propped open to let it out.

Remember, in the State of Ohio, skunks can only be released on the property on which they were trapped. They can’t be transported to a park somewhere and released. Because of rabies concerns, skunks cannot be relocated.

The only other option is to euthanize them. When we transport skunks away from where they are caught, we euthanize them.

Prevention / Preparation Tip for Live Cage Trap Users

Lastly, a tip about using cage traps in your backyard: Cover them before you start trapping!

Since your groundhog or raccoon trap might end up with a skunk in it, cover the trap before you get started. Then, if you do happen to catch an unintended skunk, you have already accomplished the critical step of getting the trap covered.

Traps can be wrapped with duct tape, covered with cardboard, or have blankets placed over them; again, you are only limited by your creativity.