Trap the Skunk to Kill It Humanely
Skunks will readily move in to a basement or crawlspace to look for food or to settle down and raise a family. Because they are active mostly at night, they are not usually a problem, and may even rid your ground floor of mice. However, their odor quickly makes them objectionable, especially if the family pet gets involved. Sometimes skunks leave on their own but often they must be removed. Humane trapping with a box trap such as a HavAHartä is the best method. Call the local animal control officer or a pest control company to do the job. You can try it yourself but play safe by first checking into the state and local game laws.
First, slip a black plastic garbage bag over one end of the trap and tape it in place. This creates a snug environment that helps calm the trapped skunk when you move the trap later. Bait the trap with something strong, such as a fish head or sardines, cat food, or chicken parts. When the skunk is caught, approach the trap slowly and cover the rest of the trap with a blanket or tarp. This has a calming effect, and it also gives you a chance to avoid the spray if the skunk is alarmed. Carefully move the trap to the back of a truck and take it 5 to 10 miles away to a suitable woodland release point. Slowly place the trap on the ground. Stand well out of the way and pull the trap door open with a hook on a string. Don’t expect Dim-bulb to dash outside right away, however. He may take hours to make up his mind. In this case, just leave the trap and come back for it the next morning, when it should be vacant. One final note: Spotted skunks are more likely than striped skunks to spray when trapped.
