I Caught a Skunk in a Live Trap…Now What?
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 unaggressive 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 is a demonstration video where Ryan shows you and gives more advice on covering a skunk trapped in a live trap.
This is one way of doing it as demonstrated by a guy who does it a lot.
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.
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 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.
Help with Skunk Problems in Akron, Canton, Kent
Hopefully, you feel confident enough to approach that skunk in a trap after this post.
But, if you’re still not feeling up to doing it yourself and are in our local Akron, Canton, Kent, OH service area, please give us a call.
For more on skunk removal in the Akron, Canton, Kent, OH area please visit:
