To my suprise...

[Mesa]

Set the trap on a tarp and one over the top, then when you catch the skunk you can wrap the trap up, throw it in the back of your truck and relocate it? Who knows... but I wouldnt want a skunk anywhere near my house.

 

[WestTexasFarmboy]

I would think "good luck" in finding a vet who would even come close to working on live, injured skunk. I found some babies once and called the vet to see if I should try to raise them and he said to "dispatch" the critters because they are so notorious for catching rabies. Some animals are not good neighbors.

 

[bgates1970]

Well I did consider the fact that it might have rabies. However, in my first attempt at getting close it looked up at me with sad eyes almost saying, "Sorry". I decided to give him another chance at life. Some may say that's being too soft. I believe in 2nd chances. Yes, skunks eat a lot of pheasant eggs and small birds which made it really hard to let him go considering I'm an avid pheasant hunter.
So if he comes back I will dispose of him and not relocate. I will not relocate an animal just so someone else has to deal with it. However, animals like cats, coons and possums do not get 2nd chances.

 

[Lil Chickie Mama]

Quote:
Okay, I started reading this laughing pretty hard, but now, I really admire you. I don't think I could have gotten that close-not a perfume I'd like to wear!-also, I'd be too afraid of a bite, rabies or not. While I probably would have dispatched the animal (until I read that they spray while they die) I am glad you didn't. However if he comes by again, I wouldn't give him a 3rd chance. You'll know it's him by his shiny white teeth, lol.

 

[Pupsnpullets]

Quote:
I think that by not spraying you was the skunk's way of saying thanks. Hopefully it also understands the no more chances part of the deal.

 

[wegotchickens]

You described this skunk as huge. Any chance that was a momma getting ready to have a litter of stripey kittens?

 

[zippy11455]

Reminds me of the evening I was sitting in a lawn chair on the patio. I reached down to pet the neighbors cat and realized too late that it was a skunk. Both the skunk and I realized at the same time that, whoa, this situation isn't right and froze for a moment. A VERY LONG moment. Then Mr. Skunk sniffed my hand and quickly turned around and scurried away. My heart was racing for the next 15 minutes. I don't know who was more scared me or Mr. Skunk.

 

[Whispering Winds]

Quote:
That is just bad. . .I know they can be dangerous, but drowning in his blood is one thing, but 15-20 min.? That is just wrong.

 

[jupitergirl]

If it is a healthy skunk, it can easily be released out of the trap. I work in animal control and we simply hold a blanket or tarp up in front of us and slowly move toward the trap, drop it over to cover it, reach around and prop up the gate or door with a stick, and back away. The best traps have a removable door on one end. A skunk will do fair amount of posturing, raising its tail etc before spraying, so if it does this, stop, and keep moving closer when it relaxes. I have never been sprayed, knock on wood. Killing the skunk is much messier and stinkier. If rabies is a concern, do not damage the head as it will be needed by the local rabies lab to test if the skunk is distroyed due to suspected illness.

 

[One Acre Wonder Farm]

My DH has shot two skunks before on our property (one was a nuisance, one was rabid) and neither skunk sprayed while dying. I don't think either shot was a shot to the lungs either...