Skunks
Scientific Name: Mephitis mephitis nigra
We are fully aware of the odor problems, the lawn damage, the fact that
they are walking through your lawn. Scroll down the links below and find information
on a variety of skunk problems and how to resolve them. Of course, when push
comes to shove, few methods resolve problems like actual population control.
If that is what you are looking for, simply click on the link for books.
Learn more about these remarkable creatures called Skunks Skunk
Biology and Myths
Dedorizing Skunk Smell
Skunks & Lawn Damage
Skunks & Window Wells
Skunks, Sheds & Porches
#Skunk Etiquette
For information on how to trap skunks, you can purchase our skunk trapping booklet
go to books
The booklet is also available through e-mail shipping at a reduced cost.
How Do I Know if I Have Skunks Living Under My Deck?
Well my book, The Wildlife Damage Inspection
Handbook, does tell you how to determine if they are living there. I will
give you the short answer. Just fill the gap between the side of the deck and
the ground. You can use dirt, newspaper, boards etc. You wont' trap the skunks
in as they will just dig underneath to get out. If they do, then recover the
hole with dirt. If it happens two days in a row. You know they are living there
SKUNK ETIQUETTE
How to meet Mr. Skunk and Still Smell Good
- Don't surprise them! If you don't like to be startled then imagine how skunks
feel when they get surprised by some 150 pound two legged creature. If you
know skunks are around your area be cautious. Turn on outside lights. Make
noise while walking to your car so that they know you are coming.
- If skunks hang around your door preventing you from entering, believe it
or not I have received at least one phone call regarding this, then try to
use the back door. If that is impossible get a garden hose and send some artificial
rain on them. This should allow you to spray them at a safe distance as well
as encourage the skunks to move on.
- If you are box trapping for another animal like a woodchuck or squirrel
(or an animal that only walks around in the daylight), make sure you close
your trap before nightfall so that you won't catch Mr. skunk that night.
- If skunks are common in your area or you are concerned about catching them,
get a gravity door trap. Then if you catch a skunk use an 18 foot long extendable
painters pole to gently tip the trap onto its side and back. You want to extend
the pole to maximum distance to reduce the risk of getting sprayed. If the
skunk can't see you then that is even better. Be gentle and tip the trap over
in stages. When you do this the trap door should open (gravity door traps
only). Then the skunk will leave when he feels safe enough which should be
no later than nightfall.
Skunks in the News
Rabid Skunks Bite Two in Mass. c The Associated Press WORCESTER,
Mass. (AP) AP-NY-10-20-99 2014EDT
The skunks were found to be rabid. They bit a sickly man and a small child.
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Nose Cone |
Disclaimer: WDC seeks to provide accurate, effective and responsible information
on resolving human/wildlife conflicts. We welcome suggestions, criticisms to
help us achieve this goal. The information provided is for informational purposes
only and users of the information use it at their own risk. The reader must
consult state/federal officials to determine the legality of any technique in
the reader's locale. Some techniques are dangerous to the user and to others.
WDC encourages readers to obtain appropriate training (see our informational
literature at our Store ), and understand that proper animal damage
control involves patience, understanding that not every technique/method works
for every situation or even 100% of the time. Your use of this information is
governed by this understanding.
We welcome potential users of the information
and photos to simply ask for permission via e-mail. Finally, WDC welcomes
e-mail but understand that all e-mails become property of Wildlife Damage Control.
Ó 1997 Stephen Vantassel
7/25/04
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