Is it legal for me to trap a skunk?

There are many problems that can be caused by skunks once they get into your property. It is important that you address the problem well in advance and in the right manner to make sure that encounters with the stinky animal don’t happen. Skunks are also known to carry pests and diseases, so it is better if they are kept at bay at all times and as much as possible. Also, odor is another great problem that is presented by skunks, especially during the mating season.

You may discover that there is a skunk living under your shed or porch. Skunks can also fall down the window well and they may not be able to get themselves out and may require some help. Skunks can also find their way into the basement and you may just want to get rid of the animal.

There are different laws that govern different localities with regard to the removal of wild animals. It is important to find out about such laws to be on the safe side. In most cases, you will find that trapping a skunk is not illegal, but it is always good to confirm. Sometimes the authority to remove such animals is vested in certain groups.

When you find a skunk within your property, your first instinct is to get it out as soon as possible, but no one wants to be sprayed. You need to know exactly what to do to get it out. Regardless of what the laws say, killing skunks is never an option and it should never be treated as one. Killing a skunk is a very inhumane thing to do, and the odor that is left after such an event is very overwhelming and you may not be able to stand it.

Trapping is the best method that should be used and in most places it is legal. After it is trapped, you will need to have the animal relocated to a location where it won’t be a nuisance to the humans, and therefore this reduces the conflict that exists between the two.

If you are not sure how to go about trapping, you need to call a specialist. There are people who have great knowhow on how best to deal with the animal and get it out without having your compound sprayed. The specialist is also in a better position to tell you exactly what the laws say about the trapping of skunks.

Go back to the How to Get Rid of Skunks page or email us if you have any other questions about Is it legal for me to trap a skunk?