How to handle skunk in animal trap?

I have a trap that I bought to trap nuisance ground hogs. I never intended to trap skunks but I just discovered one in my trap. It's alive and appears to be well. It also looks like a young one to me.

When I discovered it, I came within about 6 ft of the trap. I did not linger; I soon retreated and left the area. It did not attempt to spray me. Of course, I don't want to get sprayed. Any tips on how to handle this critter. I don't mind simply releasing it; I just want to avoid being sprayed.

 

Others may have better ideas but I would walk toward the trap with a plastic tarp in front of me to keep the spray from getting on me.

Can't think of a way to keep the guy from spraying.

 

I just hope it's one of the better traps that you don't have to get right next to the door to open it.

Tarp is what professionals use as well, seen 'em do it 2 or 3 times on different TV shows.

 

Thanks for the replies. I put on the most raggedly clothes I could find and proceeded to open the trap and let it escape. I guess luck was with me today. It did not spray me.

The tarp idea sounds great. Actually, I have some 50 gal. trash bags and thought about shielding me with one of them. But then, I decided to go the raggedly clothes route.

After the skunk left the cage, which was sitting near my shed to catch ground hogs that dig under the shed, it went under the shed. And, a slight skunk smell is noticeable from the shed area. Generally, skunks have not been a problem during the 20+ years I've lived here. I have noticed them at various spots in this community almost every year, as I recall, but they generally have not been a significant nuisance. So, I'm assuming no major skunk problem will be developing.

 

Glad it worked for you. You were well advised and performed well.

It’s not as hard as one would think. Carry a tarp, blanket, etc in front of you as a shield. Move slowly and talk to it (the skunk-not the tarp). Carefully, slowly, and quietly lay the tarp down on the trap. DON’T ever throw the tarp; don’t ask...Skunks fear death from above and a thrown tarp will scare them. Sometimes the cage trap is stuck to the ground as they will dig up the grass and tangle it with the underside of the cage so moving the cage is difficult and could result in a scared skunk. When approaching the trap, you should have a stake or something similar to hold the door up when you open it. Otherwise the skunk can set off the trap and you gotta do it all over again. When you have the door open just slowly peel the tarp back as you back away. If you don’t he will stay in there until nightfall as he likes the dark. I’ve done a “trap transfer” by setting my trap in line with the occupied trap. Peel the tarp back slowly and the skunk edged his way into my covered trap. Took him away and didn’t have to make a return trip to bring back the customers trap.

 

Skunks, being mostly nocturnal, usually come out as dusk approaches and possibly you can watch and then close the opening. Just wait long enough in case they are paired and found a good home to raise kits. You wouldn't want one left behind under the shed but he/she probably knows how to dig out as well as dig in.

A tarp covering the cage/ trap is usually a safe way to transport.

 

The smell from skunks is the only one detectible by human olfactory nerves from a mile downwind....except Southern smoked Barbeque Ribs, of course

 

Since this one is resolved I'll ask a question related to the discussion. dd, what were you using as bait for the ground hog. I have a trap and a ground hog and want one to go away.

Bud

 

Glad that you didn't get sprayed, but, for future reference, the tarp does more than just to keep the spray off of you. Any manner of life is unpredictable (started to say wildlife, but applies to humans as well), but a skunk typically will not spray until it has identified the threat, so if he doesn't see you he won't spray. Not always the case, but works most of the time, so the tarp can be beneficial in that regard. As mentioned, they're mostly nocturnal, so I don't pay much attention to one wandering around at night, but do get a bit concerned about having a sick one around if they're out during daylight hours.

 

Bud9051: I always liked cabbage leaves as they give off a scent/odor and have visual appeal. Can also lay some leaves outside of trap as a lure/pre-bait.

 

Thanks PA, I just happen to have a fresh head of cabbage. I'll put some out to give him a taste, then lead it into the trap.

Bud

 

"Southern smoked Barbeque Ribs" Stop it! You'll make me want to go to our great BBQ place downtown. I have bills to pay!

 

Sorry, Vic. We live a few miles from Jim's Smokin' Que, rated #5 by TripAdvisor a month ago for the best BBQ in the nation. Open TH, FR, SA only, and you get there before 11 or wait until after 2 or be prepared to stand in line a while.

 

Thanks for all the additional comments since my last post. Interesting tips to keep in mind in case this happens again.

I'm not sure how long the skunk was in the cage. I had not gone to my back lawn, where was the trap was located, until afternoon. The skunk could have been in the trap for many hours. After freeing the skunk, I discovered the case was not as easy to pick up as normal due to grass being matted over the wiring on the bottom of the cage, a point mentioned by someone.

Regarding bait, bearing in mind my intent with the trap was to catch ground hogs, I simply put a slice of apple in the cage. And, the slice in the cage had been there for over 2 weeks; I had not replaced it with a fresh slice since I have seen no ground hogs for a few weeks. So, that old apple slice was not looking very good and I'm surprised it would have attracted any animal.

And yes, I'll keep watch for awhile to be on the alert for the presence of a skunk family. If that situation arises, I'll have to truly bait for skunks and apply techniques stated here.