Dear :

I urge you to stop the killing of skunks immediately. Killing, especially by using leg-hold traps, is not a solution. Traps are indiscriminate and can catch other animals or people's pets. There are humane ways to solve problems with skunks.

If you have a problem with skunks getting into buildings, you need to keep the door closed. If a skunk is in a building just open the door before dark. Leave a 2-foot band of flour across the outside of the building and watch for footprints to confirm that the skunk has left. Skunks are not good climbers. They often fall into window wells and can't get out. If the window well is shallow, put a piece of wood in the window well (at a less than 45 degree angle) to serve as a plank so the skunk can walk out. If the window well is deep, put on gloves and place smelly cat food in the far corner of a pet carrier or rectangular garbage can (tipped on its side) and slowly lower it into the window well. The skunk will be attracted to the food and will walk into it. Then slowly raise the carrier or can to ground level, elevator style, and let the skunk stroll out. Most importantly, purchase or make a window well cover out of mesh so this situation doesn't recur.

Skunks have terrible eyesight so as long as you move slowly and quietly, the skunk will hardly notice you. Remember, skunks also give a warning by stamping their front feet, which gives you a chance to back off! To neutralize any unpleasant odor, a non-toxic deodorizer called Odors Away can be purchased from hardware stores for approximately $4.

Again, I urge you to make the compassionate decision to stop the killing immediately.

Sincerely,

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