The Scoop About Skunks

At the Wildlife In Need Center, we receive all sorts of calls from people that are at their wits end regarding a wildlife conflict situation that they are dealing with. Many of these distressed individuals call about a misunderstood animal that most people avoid at all costs: striped skunks.  Though WINC cannot accept these animals due to DNR regulations, we have acquired a few tips and tricks over the years to deal with all sorts of skunk problems. Check out the list below and, as always, if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us at 262-965-3090.

Skunk Under Your Deck, Shed, etc.?
Has a skunk family made its home under your home?  In many cases, people find that a skunk has made their home in a less-than-ideal place and there can be multiple reasons why the individual would like the skunks to move on (pets are continually getting sprayed, etc.).  Before calling an exterminator, which can be expense and in-humane, try these tips first:

  • Shine a battery-powered light into the den.
  • Put a radio near the den and turn on talk radio, ideally at times when the skunks are most active or are confirmed to be in their den (at dawn and dusk is often effective)
  • Sprinkle used cat litter near the den’s opening.  The smell of the ammonia in cat urine is very similar to a predator’s urine (fox or coyote) and can help the skunk move on if they think that a predator has moved in.  If you don’t have cats, household ammonia will do as well.  You can even purchase synthetic coyote or fox urine from fishing/gaming stores.
  • Add variety and movement outside of the den.  The skunk has likely become comfortable with the area around the den and has grown used to its surroundings.  Changes in those surroundings can often make the animal wary.  An example would be to put pinwheels in the ground around the den.

In many cases, combining multiple techniques from above can be the most effective way to help a skunk peacefully leave your yard on its own and move elsewhere.  It’s important to note, however, that these techniques are not always 100% effective; this is especially the case if the skunk has access to a regular food source (outdoor cat food, etc.).

Skunk Caught in a Live Trap?
Though we don’t recommend the use of live traps to catch animals unless you are trying to catch an injured or ill animal for rehabilitation, we do help people who have managed to get skunk caught in a trap that they meant for another animal!  Here are steps that you can follow:

  1. Approach the trap slowly with a large trap in front of you. Skunks are less likely to be less intimidated by a tarp than a human, plus the tarp will provide a barrier in between you and the skunk in case they do decide to spray.  *The slowly part is key!
  2. Move quietly! Skunks often spray when they are startled by sudden movements or loud noises rather than in defense, so trying to release the trap as quickly as possible will probably have less-than-desired affects.
  3. Drape the tarp gently over the trap, leaving an opening by the door – this will help keep the skunk calm.
  4. Open the trap slowly and quietly using leather gloves, or at the very least gardening gloves, for your protection.  Then leave the area, the skunk will eventually come out on its own time.

Skunk in your Window Well?
Though the best offense in this case is a good defense (i.e. having a guard over your window wells), animals often get stuck in window wells.  In many cases, putting some kind of rough-surfaced ramp in the well is the easiest and most effective way to allow the animal to leave on its own. However, unfortunately skunks are not known for their climbing abilities.  To rescue skunks caught in this situation you’ll need a 5-gallon bucket, a rope, and some smelly cheese, fish, or meat.

  1. Tie one end of the rope around the buckets handle.
  2. Place the food at the bottom of the bucket.
  3. Slowly lower the bucket into the well, making sure it lands on its side so that the skunk has access to the food.  Now the waiting game begins. If the skunk has been in the well for a couple of days, it will be hungry and probably approach the food rather quickly.
  4. Once the skunk is in the bucket, slowly tip it upwards and bring the animal up to ground level.  Skunks are rather oblivious animals with poor eyesight, so it is likely that they won’t even realize what is going on until you after you have raised the skunk out of the well.  Place the bucket on solid ground…the skunk will be able to tip the bucket over and climb out on its own.

Sprayed by a Skunk?
WINC frequently gets calls from people who desperately need to get rid of skunk spray from their bodies, their pets, an area of their home, etc.  Enzymatic cleaners can be purchased from pet stores and they are very effective but if you’d like to try a homemade route, follow the recipe below:

Ingredients: 1 Bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide, 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda, & 1 TBSP of Dawn

  1. Mix all ingredients in an open bucket or bowl, as the chemical reaction occurring will cause the liquid to foam.  The purpose of the Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking soda is to breakdown the chemicals in the spray and the purpose of the Dawn is to breakdown the oils.
  2. Use to clean live traps, sides of houses, etc.
  3. If used on people or pets, shampoo afterwards.
  4. The scent may come back after a couple of days – simply reapply the solution.