Table of Contents
What kills skunks in the wild?
Multiple larger animals prey on the skunk, including coyotes, foxes, American badgers, several types of big cats and large birds of prey such as eagles and great horned owls. Humans also pose a large threat to skunks by killing them off in order to control rabies.
What happens when skunks die?
A skunk will still smell even when dead, and the gland which creates the foul odor can release if the body is moved postmortem. If a skunk dies under a shed or within a foundation, the smell will persist for months if not years.
How do exterminators kill skunks?
Lethal traps require a certain amount of skill to place and set, and if done incorrectly, it can result in an injured, angry animal. Pest animals like skunks are best removed with the use of cage traps. Regular traps are fine, and there are some models available online that have solid sides.
What does a dead skunk smell like?
Skunks do not smell unless they spray (skunks only spray when they are very anxious or upset). HOWEVER, a dead skunk will certainly cause an odor like the one Mrs. Smith described.
What to do if you find a dead skunk?
Disposing a dead skunk After proper handling of the dead skunk, transport the garbage bag to a dumpster or landfill and discard the skunk. If you leave the skunk on your property in garbage, it will still produce a foul order; therefore, it’s good to take it elsewhere.
Can I kill a skunk in my yard?
Poisoning skunks is always unlawful and shooting skunks is illegal within city limits. California classifies skunks as non-game animals that can be hunted and killed. A Havahart cage trap or a cylindrical trap is required—but it is not then lawful to relocate the skunk.
Is it illegal to kill skunks?
Skunks are not protected by law in Alberta. This allows landowners to destroy skunks and skunk dens on their land. The Wildlife Act classifies the skunk as a non- licenced animal. Skunks can be hunted or trapped year-round on private land by the property owner and during the fur trapping season by a licensed trapper.