live trap+ skunk + labor

[skyjoshin]

The humane society doesn't operate in our area either.

 

[Zinjifrah]

Don't throw a live animal into a pond to drown. Regardless of whether it has offspring. Call the appropriate authorities to collect and dispose of it, whether it's the local wildlife department or a wildlife rescue facility. Drowning is in no way a humane means of killing any creature. If you need to kill it, shoot it. Some people do keep skunks as pets, raised from a young age, and with the scent glands removed, but I doubt it would be legal to do so with a native species. They're just like cats or ferrets, really.

 

[KettermanHillCoop]

Here's a list of folks that are in the business of removing nuisance wildlife...perhaps an option for you?

https://wildlife.utah.gov/habitat/nuisance_control.php

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Here's a list of folks that are in the business of removing nuisance wildlife...perhaps an option for you?

https://wildlife.utah.gov/habitat/nuisance_control.php

That's a tough call, or it would be for me with newly hatched babies. You will have to do what is best for you and your flock. With that said perhaps the link to Utah Wildlife will be helpful, if not and you want to rid yourself of them, a friend, family member, or neighbor may be willing to handle it for you. That way you won't have to do the deed or even be aware of it being done. Good luck what ever you decide.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I never thought of relocating animals in those terms. I guess it kind of makes sense. Though, I think I would want to do some research. Also, there may be a huge difference in population density between where you're at and where we are. Thanks for that info though. Very good information to consider.

We once caught entire family of coons under our old house. We contacted FWC to help us relocate them. They told us the story I previously posted. We were in your shoes. We called a licensed animal trapper. It costed us money but... the young ones were so small.
Makes the Grinch's heart grow 3 times it's normal size right?

 

[skyjoshin]

Don't throw a live animal into a pond to drown. Regardless of whether it has offspring. Call the appropriate authorities to collect and dispose of it, whether it's the local wildlife department or a wildlife rescue facility. Drowning is in no way a humane means of killing any creature. If you need to kill it, shoot it. Some people do keep skunks as pets, raised from a young age, and with the scent glands removed, but I doubt it would be legal to do so with a native species. They're just like cats or ferrets, really.

Well I don't have access to a gun, and I also think that they spray when shot. I'm not enthused about dispatching it at all. And I'd definitely prefer to do it in the least painful and traumatic way possible. I thought about wrapping a garbage bag around the trap and running a hose from exhaust on a vehicle. But having been stuck in an exhaust filled area, I know that's a pretty painful

We once caught entire family of coons under our old house. We contacted FWC to help us relocate them. They told us the story I previously posted. We were in your shoes. We called a licensed animal trapper. It costed us money but... the young ones were so small.
Makes the Grinch's heart grow 3 times it's normal size right?

Yes it does. I'll check out that link. Maybe we can get some help. I've not had very good luck getting help in our area. Cross your fingers

 

[skyjoshin]

So, there's a private animal removal service that says on their website they service the area, but when i called they said we are outside of their area. Though they would offer coaching over the phone for $150. Really!? That sounds rediculous. Like $150 to tell me how to kill it with car exhaust or something? I can't imagine any advice they could have that would be worth $150. Probably 10 minutes, so what's that... $900/hr. I'm in the wrong line of work!
Anyway, it looks like I'm on my own. I can't get a hold of anyone with the dws. Which is typical. And I'll probably get a call back in a couple days, saying they won't help.
I had already secured the fence around our coop and run. The soil is very rocky anyway, and I buried more rocks. It looks like they found the one spot, where they could dig enough to get in. I left this spot open and set the live trap up inside. It's worked perfectly so far. We've caught the skunk family and had no more injuries or missing feathered children. I'm thinking I'll let her go and figure out how to live in harmony. I already figured the trap would just be there always. As long as my flock is safe, I honestly see no reason to kill it.

 

[mike1970]

I agree or you will 4 hungry skunks looking at your ducks as dinner

 

[skyjoshin]

Well, I expect some folks would say we are not cut out for farming... We let her go. She came back and got the babies. As long as my coop and run are secure, she (as well as any other local predator) will not be a threat. Besides, it fits with my overall philosophy of living more harmoniously with nature. If I don't want local predators eating my chickens, then I should keep my chickens safe with reinforcements, instead of killing the wildlife, which have been here for many, many years.
When we caught the first one, I was kind of angry about the duck. But ultimately it's our own fault for leaving weaknesses in the enclosure.
I think we did the right thing.

 

[llombardo]

Well, I expect some folks would say we are not cut out for farming... We let her go. She came back and got the babies. As long as my coop and run are secure, she (as well as any other local predator) will not be a threat. Besides, it fits with my overall philosophy of living more harmoniously with nature. If I don't want local predators eating my chickens, then I should keep my chickens safe with reinforcements, instead of killing the wildlife, which have been here for many, many years.
When we caught the first one, I was kind of angry about the duck. But ultimately it's our own fault for leaving weaknesses in the enclosure.
I think we did the right thing.

I completely agree and respect this decision. Complete truth and honesty. You did the right thing.