Skunk Stuck in a Window Well
One of the pitfalls (pun intended) of having uncovered window wells is that skunks are well noted for falling into them and not being able to get out.
Skunks, you see, are poor climbers. Most window wells are made of corrugated metal and are fairly deep. A skunk really has no chance of climbing up one on its own.
Letting the Skunk Climb Out on Its Own
A suggestion made often, and a good one to try at first, is to place something into the window well (like a plank) and give them the time to try to climb out.
Letting them climb out on their own works occasionally. Factors for success are:
- Time in the window well. The earlier the skunk is discovered in the window well, the better the chances are that the skunk will try to climb out if given the opportunity. A skunk that has been in a window well for multiple hours has been under a lot of stress. Situational stress, heat, and lack of food and water can render the skunk unable to climb out even if given the opportunity. The longer they’ve been there, the less likely they are able to climb out.
- Low angle. Because they are poor climbers the steeper the angle is, the less chance of success they have. Wider and shallower window wells offer a higher likelihood of success over narrow or deep wells.
- Great grip on the surface they’ve been given the chance to climb. As diggers, skunks have impressive fingers nails. These nails further impede the climbing ability of skunks on smooth surfaces. However, surfaces that are more irregular provide better grip than the standard piece of lumber people seem to instinctively pick. Taking the time to put cleats or carpeting or wire mesh on a piece of wood can up the odds of success.
Go In and Get The Skunk Out
So you’ve given the skunk a good chance to climb out but it just won’t. What should be done next?
We recommend a call to an experienced nuisance animal trapper for a scent free removal.
Leaving the skunk in the window well until it expires is not recommended as it is both inhumane and will probably lead to a stink. Dehydrated, exposed skunks will eventually die but they are almost sure to stink as they leak fluids in the end stages.
Nuisance animal removers will get them to go into a trap or euthanize them in place. If done well, either of these methods will result in a scent free removal.
In the following video, Ryan uses a trap, a sheet, and a garden hose for some persuasion to remove this skunk stuck in a window well.
Remember, that being above a skunk puts them on the defensive, as skunk predators like owls come from above. Skunk Removal 101 always highlights the necessity to stay low when approaching a skunk. Since this can’t be done, caution not to get them riled up should be exercised.
Skunk Removal for Akron, Canton, & Kent
If you have a skunk stuck in a window well, let them try to climb out first. Hopefully you’ve noticed them early on in their dilemma and heeding the advice above, the skunk successfully climbs out.
But, if you’d not had success and are looking for professional skunk removers in the Akron, Canton, Kent, OH area, please give Frontline Animal Removal a call.
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