Skunks on My Property - What Can I Do?
From
Borough of Crafton
Sent
Wed, Jun 21 @ 9:47am
Description
We have had reports from residents that skunks have become a nuisance in a few areas of the Borough. We have had reports from Haldane St., Fountain St., Walnut St., and Dinsmore Ave. Skunks are on the move for several reasons; brush that was cleared in several area valleys, new infrastructure and sewer construction, and new building and construction up and down the Chartiers Creek valley. All of those changes cause rodents and other small critters to seek new habitats, and when rodents move, skunks follow! In addition, those issues have been exacerbated this spring by very dry weather forcing even more rodents and skunks to forage for water.
When skunks venture into new and riskier territories they often come into contact with areas that have not seen many in the past, like open garages, raised decks, porches, and sheds. These areas also have perceived predators like your pet dog or cat, and when skunks feel threatened, they are quick to spray.
There are several things a homeowner can do, so you do not have attractive places for skunks to make dens or to forage for food or water. This website - wildlifehelp.org - was recommended by the Game Commission and has excellent advice about what to do to prevent your property from becoming a safe space for skunks to live and propagate. Often when these things are done effectively the skunks will move on in search of shelter, food, and water.
If a homeowner has tried all of these things and the skunks persist, the last resort is trapping the skunks. This can be done either by the homeowner or by a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO), companies that are permitted by the state to trap nuisance animals off season. Trapping skunks off season is legal if the skunks have caused or are at risk of causing damage to your property. For more information about how to trap skunks or to hire a NWCO please see our website: https://www.craftonborough.com/skunks-in-crafton
This notification was posted by Borough of Crafton. Borough of Crafton is solely responsible for this notification and unless specifically indicated, no other community or individual utilizing Savvy Citizen is sponsoring, responsible for, or endorsing this notification.
