Skunks are often considered pests due to their strong, unpleasant odor and tendency to dig up lawns in search of food.
If you’ve noticed a skunk on your property and want to humanely remove it, one option is to use a live trap.
However, you may be wondering how long the skunk can survive in the trap.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect a skunk’s lifespan in a live trap and provide some guidelines for ensuring its well-being.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that skunks are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night.
Keeping them in a trap for extended periods of time can be stressful and harmful to their health.
Ideally, you should release the skunk as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of trapping it.
This will minimize the stress and discomfort the skunk experiences while in the trap.
The length of time a skunk can survive in a live trap is dependent on several factors, including the weather, the size of the trap, and the availability of food and water.
If the weather is hot, the skunk can quickly become overheated and suffer from dehydration, which can be fatal.
On the other hand, if the weather is cold, the skunk can become hypothermic and die from exposure.
To minimize these risks, it’s important to keep the trap in a shaded area, and to provide the skunk with plenty of fresh water.
The size of the trap is also important. A trap that is too small can cause the skunk to become stressed and uncomfortable, which can shorten its lifespan.
On the other hand, a trap that is too large can make it difficult for the skunk to reach its food and water, leading to dehydration and starvation.
A trap that is approximately 30 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches high is generally suitable for a skunk.
Finally, it’s important to provide the skunk with enough food and water to keep it healthy while it’s in the trap.
Skunks are omnivores and eat a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, vegetables, and small mammals.
If you’re not sure what to feed the skunk, you can provide it with a small bowl of water and a piece of fruit, such as an apple or a pear.
However, it’s important to avoid feeding the skunk dog or cat food, as this can cause digestive problems.
In conclusion, the length of time a skunk can survive in a live trap is dependent on several factors, including the weather, the size of the trap, and the availability of food and water.
To ensure the skunk’s well-being, it’s important to release it as soon as possible, to keep the trap in a shaded area, to provide the skunk with enough food and water, and to use a trap that is the right size.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that the skunk you’ve trapped remains healthy and safe until you are able to release it back into the wild.