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We are Suffolk County Wildlife, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to New York critter problems. We service the greater Suffolk County region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at 631-419-3013 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service Nassau County, Fairfield County, New Haven County, Middlesex County, New London County, Washington County, and more. We also service Babylon, Brookhaven, East Hampton, Huntington, Islip, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Smithtown, South Hampton, Southold, Amityville, Asharoken, Belle Terre, Bellport, Brightwaters, Dering Harbor, East Hampton, Greenport, Head of the Harbor, Huntington Bay, Islandia, Lake Grove, Lindenhurst, Lloyd Harbor, Nissequogue, North Haven, Northport, Ocean Beach, Old Field, Patchogue, Poquott, Port Jefferson, Quogue, Sag Harbor, Sagaponack, Saltaire, Shoreham, South Hampton, Village of the Branch, West Hampton Beach, West Hampton Dunes, and more.

Suffolk County Wildlife Education: Humane Skunk Removal

Humane ways to remove skunks
· Using a one-way exclusion funnel will allow the skunk to exit the burrow or home, but not to enter once they have left. Survey the area to ensure you have closed all of the openings, there are usually a few. The narrow part of the cage is then placed against the access point. Once the skunk is inside the cage, it will be unable to go back into the burrow. You will need to check that there are no babies inside the burrow. If there are, you will need to extract them carefully and relocate them. They will starve without their mom.
· Live trapping is the most humane way to get rid of troublesome skunks. You merely need to bait a trap and leave it in the vicinity of where the skunk was seen. The skunk will enter the cage in search of food and will be unable to get out. You can then relocate the skunk to a different location. You need to make sure that you are allowed to release a skunk in your state. You might have to take it to a vet to have it euthanized. Be sure to check the trap regularly. You do not want the animal to be trapped in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. You also need to be careful not to get sprayed when you are moving the cage. Skunks will involuntarily spray you if they are frightened. It is imperative to inspect the area for baby skunks once you have apprehended the mother.



Keeping them off your property
This might be easier than removing the skunk as some states prohibit the release of nuisance animals
· Eliminate all points that allow them to enter. The best way to do this is to erect a fence around your property. You need to make sure that they are not able to dig underneath.
· Get rid of any food that might attract them. Pet food, bird feeders and trash cans are all things that will make your yard appealing to skunks.
· Use motion activated lights. Skunks do not like bright lights. Once they step into the designated area the lights will go on and frighten them off.
· Motion activated sprinklers. This works in the same way as the lights. Once the skunk triggers the sensor a sharp stream of water will squirt it. This scares them away.
· Make sure that they cannot get into sheds, garages or crawl spaces. These are the ideal places to build dens. Once they have found a place they like they are hard to get rid of.
· Remove fruit once it falls from trees. This is an easy way for them to obtain food. Once they have found this they will be back for more.
· Cut back tall hedges and bushes and make sure that you do not have large woodpiles. All of these offer protection against the elements and provide a space for them to hide.

Previous Education Articles
Suffolk County Wildlife Problems for Humans
How to Make and Use a One-Way Door to Remove Suffolk County Animals in a House
How to Remove Suffolk County Bats or Rodents from Barrel Tile Roofs
How to Prevent Suffolk County Rodents from Chewing on Your Car's Wires