Trapping Live Skunks

Well, my first suggestion would be that before you set out live traps for skunks, you might want to investigate what alternatives you have for disposing of them - before you set the trap.

A friend of mine wound up with a skunk in a live trap on her back porch - trying to trap stray cats. She has quite an amusing story involving a blanket, water, freezing ice...well anyway.

You do not mention where you are at. Where I am from, Oklahoma, all skunks are assumed to be rabies carriers. This is because since Animal Control began testing skunks for rabies over 20 years ago - NO SKUNK HAS EVER COME UP NEGATIVE. That's right, 100% positive.

So first off, it is imperative that you not handle the skunk in any way, nor do you handle the cage until it has been properly cleaned. Skunks, like cats, lick themselves - and the rabies virus is carried in saliva.

Again, not knowing where you are located - I would suggest you contact emergency services in your area. If you have an Animal Control office, or possibly an ASPCA shelter, one of those two can hopefully help you dispose of the skunk in a humane manner or possibly even pick the animal up and release it in a suitable area.

Your vet may also be able to help, or tell you who to contact. An area exterminator who deals in pest animals may also help.

If you captured the skunk by accident, depending on how your trap is constructed, if you are able to release the animal using a long pole like a fishing pole that is one option. He will probably think twice about rummaging around your house again for a while.

If you are experiencing a skunk problem around your home the best way to control it is to control the area around your home. They are most likely coming to the house because they are finding something to eat there. Thus, eliminating any food sources such as food set outside for pets, or trash cans the skunks can get into, is probably the most important step.

Again, it is hard to really advise without more details, including your location. What I can and hope I have done is to make some suggestions for local help to call for advise.

And, you might be needing this:
How do I get Skunk Spray off my pet?

Best of luck!