How to Trap a Skunk Without Getting Sprayed

Skunks are most people's least favorite nuisance wildlife to have come around. Aside from the potent aroma and digging up of lawns, skunks also pose a real and imminent threat to chickens and other small poultry livestock. So, trapping and relocating seems like a good option (and really the only legal one, if done by a homeowner and not a wildlife animal control company). But, how do you trap and release a skunk without getting sprayed? Let's find out!

Understanding Skunk Behavior

Skunks in the wild are generally quite timid and shy. They aren't aggressive by nature and neither seek nor want conflict with human kind. Spraying is their last ditch effort to obscure and get away - they are the Batman of the forest and their spray is the smoke bomb. 

About Skunks Spraying

Skunks have two scent glands on either side of their anus that can release spray on command. The glands in themselves aren't unique; wolves, coyotes, dogs and both wild and cats have anal scent glands as well. In all other animals, the scent glands are primarily used for marking territory, and the smell is quite different and nowhere near as strong. The skunk uses its spray, which is an oily yellow fluid that contains Thioacetate and Sulphur compounds mostly as a defensive weapon. On the receiving end, the spray stings and irritates, eyes, skin, and airways. Both, reach and aim of the spray are really quite remarkable; spray can travel up to 22 feet and reach its target with stunning accuracy when released from 10 feet away or less.

However, skunks don't go around spraying their stuff willy-nilly. Because it is their most viable defense (yes, they do have sharp claws and teeth and could potentially duke it out) and because it takes time to 'recharge' their weapon, it is used as sparingly as possible. The glands hold enough spray for about 5 discharges and then have to replenish for 8-10 days. During this time, the skunk is void of its potent defense mechanism.

How to Trap a Skunk Without Getting Sprayed: Choosing the Right Trap

Live Traps vs. Lethal Traps

This is a non-starter: It is illegal in Ontario to kill skunks (or raccoons). As per the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry regulations, wildlife including skunks must be humanely removed and relocated. So, the question here becomes: "How to live trap a skunk without getting sprayed?". Live traps are the ONLY acceptable trap to use. Even so, there are a number of options and things to consider:

Trap Size and Material

You should only attempt to trap a skunk in a medium or large animal trap. The skunk ought to be able to stand up and turn around in the trap. 

• Metal Wire Trap
  This is likely the most common commercially available trap and with a spring loaded door is easy to set. Note that it should be at least 25-35 inches long.
  
  
• Skunk Trap
  This trap is basically a solid metal tube (with holes for air flow, of course), too small for a skunk to lift its tail and arch its back (this is part of the spray release mechanism/ritual). The fact that the skunk cannot physically release its spray is what allows this to be deemded a 'skunk proof trap'. This trap requires diligent supervision and relocation/releasing of the animal should be completed as soon as possible.
  
  
• Wooden Trap
  Many home made traps are made of wood and as long as they are large enough and don't injure the animal, there's nothing wrong here. However, IF the skunk sprays or even has sprayed recently, the wood will absorb that lovely aroma and you'll get to enjoy it for some time to come.

Preparing the Trap Area and Placing the Trap

Identifying Skunk Travel Routes

Firstly and most importantly - is this where the skunk hangs out or travels through? Yes? You've seen it? Or, have you seen tracks at least? Skunk footprints look a bit like those of a miniature bear; the front feet have long claws that show up as dots well ahead of the toes. Alright then, let's proceed.

Set Trap on Firm and Level Ground

The trap should be set down on firm and even ground. We don't want the trap to tip over and tumble downhill, leaving us with a dizzy and scared senseless skunk.

Camouflaging the Trap

A bit of camouflage is not essential but a good idea, nonetheless - if possible, place the trap under some low hanging branches. Mind you, if we do our job right with baiting the trap, our resident skunk will care precious little about the looks of it. It's also not a bad idea to cover the trap with a thick towel or light blanket at this time (and hopefully not neon pink - we don't want it to stick out like a sore thumb). Covering it now will allow you to approach the trap safely once your charge is caught.

Positioning for Easy Removal

We should also plan our exit strategy. Hopefully, the trap will be placed so that we can easily reach the handle and procede with relocating our trapped skunk.

Effective Bait Options for Skunks

Ah yes - THE most important part of trapping a skunk. Finding the right bait. Believe it or not, not all skunks enjoy the same culinary delights. While eggs and bacon will work for one, sardines or cat food will work for another. And then there's the skunk with a refined sweet tooth; he or she may only respond to doughnuts or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. This may take some trial and error on your part. 

How To Release a Trapped Skunk without Getting Sprayed

If you had not done so previously, cover the trap now.  Approach facing the skunk and make it quick :) If the skunk can't see you, he can't spray you. You can now pick up the trap and transport it to a release site. Place the trap on level ground, open the door and simply step away. It may take a few minutes or more for the skunk to realize he is free to go. Wait until he is out of sight before going to retrieve your trap.

Preventing Future Skunk Problems

Once we have safely evicted said skunk, we'll want to make sure that he or she sees no good reason to return. Here are a few tips to help with that:

Removing Attractants from Your Property

Secure your trash bins and compost, move pet food bowls (and feed bags) indoors, and clean up the yard. This is a great time to scoop up fallen fruit and other tasty leftovers from the garden.

Sealing Entry Points to Structures

Let's do a walk about and check around the house, porch, and any outbuildings. Oh! Don't forget the chicken coop. Fill and/or repair any cracks, holes and whatever is now or could become an opening to a coveted dark and quiet place and invite a skunk or two.

Using Natural Deterrents

While not exactly fool proof, ammonia and citrus peels tend to displease skunks and are often hailed as skunk repellents. Skunks also don't like moth balls (who does!?) but careful - they are toxic to dogs and cats.,

Call Hawkeye Animal Control for Humane Skunk Trapping

The worst thing that can happen with unsuccessful trapping (aside from you getting sprayed) is to end up with a trap shy skunk. This is a skunk who knows a trap when he sees one and makes a prompt detour. This is when it's time to call in Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control. As a leader in the wildlife control services industry and with over 30 years of humane skunk trapping experience, we will succeed where you may have failed. Guaranteed.