Skunks are kindof sortof related to weasels, but not in the same family. They have special glands near the anus that can spray a stinky sulphur compound up to fifteen feet. They usually only spray if provoked, in a means
of self-defense. The spray can actually cause temporary loss of vision in the attacker, if it's hit in the eyes. Males skunks also sometimes spray during mating season. Florida has two types of skunks, or so I've heard:
the striped skunk and the spotted skunk. Both have the bold black and white coloring that screams, "Stay away! I spray!". Sometimes people have a problem with skunks when skunks start digging up grubs from a lawn. However,
that doesn't really happen here, at least that I've seen. I'd like to be able to see a skunk in Orlando some day, but I doubt I will. I'll just have to get my stinky animal fix from Florida State fans.
The Process Involved In Skunk Trapping
Having identified the presence of skunks within the compound, the next logical thing to do is to look for ways to catch them. There are a considerable number of traps in the market for trapping skunks, and hence due diligence should be practiced in identifying a suitable one. However, live traps are usually the best when trapping skunks.
Batting the live-trap
Having identified the appropriate trap to use, the next key decision to make is that concerning the choice of bait. Having appropriate bait could immensely increase the chances of success. Skunks are inclined to meat-based baits such as fresh fish, canned fish, sardines, chicken parts, cat food, and bacon. Other non-meat based baits that are also effective to include peanut butter, honey, a bit of mayonnaise, dried fruit and bread. The key thing to remember is that the bait should be placed in such a location that will guarantee the capture of the skunk as soon as it eats the bait. In the case of live-traps, the bait should be at the furthest corner of the trap.
Positioning the trap
When it comes to looking for a suitable location for the trap, it is essential to locate it as near as possible to the skunks’ den. This will ensure the rapid capture of the skunks, as they will most likely be looking for food, as soon as they leave their den in the evening. If, for instance, there has been the identification of a number of holes under the porches, the owner of the building should embark on sealing the holes and leaving only one hole open. This will essentially, enhance the chances of catching the skunk using the trap. Once there is a successful capture of a skunk, it is advisable to set subsequent traps that will guarantee the capture of all possible skunks.
There are times that skunks dig a sizeable number of holes all over the compound. In such a situation, the location of the traps is not an issue as long as there is strategic placing of the bait.
Handling the captured skunk
Frightening of skunks is an easy task; hence, it is necessary to approach them slowly and quietly. It is also advisable to bend as this lowers the chances of the animal becoming frightened and thereafter, defensive. Some signs of agitation include rapid stamping of the forefeet and the arching of their tails above their backs. These signs usually signal the eminent discharge of the foul scent.
In addition, the cage should be covered up, preferably with a thick clothe, as the skunks cannot spray what they cannot see. With the covering up of the cage, transportation of the skunks is possible. As a precaution, handle the cage gently in order to deter the agitation of the skunks. The skunk can be freed in any area where there will be limited conflict between it and the human population.
You should exercise a lot of caution when releasing the skunk, since you should employ a suitable method to use when opening of the trap while you are far from it. You should continue to monitor the affected compound to ensure the safe capture of all the skunks and their evacuation to safer zones.