[rifleman]

I recently had to dispose of a particularly beligerent skunk that was digging into our chicken coop, spraying our cats and, last straw, it broke open the cat door and entered our kitchen, ate the cat food and was en-route upstairs when all h$ll broke loose in our dining room when all four of our house cats decided to "greet" the interloper.

That noisy frackace ended up in our kitchen whereupon the skunk delivered a couple of meaningful "messages" all over our plant stands, kitchen furniture, cats and floor. It took us about a week of scrubbing, dousing, hosing, burning (not the cats of course...) and everything else we could think of (those enzyme cleaners do NOTHING, BTW. Don't believe them. Tomato juice works well on the cats though).

Then, a few days later I found it trying to dig into our barn and get to the feed. Enough was enough; I potted it with my 20 ga. Figured that was it.

Then, today, my wife told me about the tiny baby skunk that was out in our veggy garden. Did I feel bad? But it didn't stop there; over the afternoon, three MORE showed up, all about 6- -7 inches long not including their tails, all beautiful little animals, unable to spray right now according to info on the net (they don't seem to have any odor either). They also appear to be weakened, no doubt because I killed off momma. No more of her milk, bits of food, etc. that she'd be bringing home to them right now.

Horrible situation.

What to do? The common knowledge out here in farming & ranching country is to shoot them all and thereby save myself the trouble of having them, as adults, digging after my prized chickens, spraying my cats, etc. A sort of endless unpleasant continuum.

And yet, as a long-time wildlife biologist, with a particular interest and appreciation for the carnivores (these are essentally in the weasel (Mustelidae) family...) I would like to find an alternate to "murdering" them all. But also ,they will, sooner than later, develop that nasty ability, so time's a wasting.

I know I could get them all "de-skunked" at the vet's for about $70 each ($280 for the four!!!!) and then what? Sell 'em on e-bay? $200 Reserve? (ha ha) Try to intro them to my cats, who have learned about striped animals already?

Any ideas? Anyone want one? A pair? A quartet? They are absolutely gorgeous, I will say, and are, apparently, quite lovable and smart pets. As are all the weasels.

Please... any ideas. I feel guilty as it is, even though I had to do what had to be done at the time. I might even pay partially to de-smell them if anyone wants one?/two?/ana-three?/ana-four?

Please - ideas welcomed.

[M3 Mitch]

I guess it's legal to own them? How much time do you have before they "self-arm"?

I'm thinking, I'm thinking.

You might check with a pet store, see what they sell them for, they might even buy them from you.

[ferretkona]

As long as they are comfortable with you they usually will not spray. But they will smell musky till they lose the glands. For their best health wait till they are over 6 months to neuter. They will expect to sleep on/in your bed with you. I would get one from you if you were closer.

[dreamhunter65]

Dispose of them. I was told by a vet once as we had same situation that 90% are born carriers of rabies. I would not take chance.

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by dreamhunter65

Dispose of them. I was told by a vet once as we had same situation that 90% are born carriers of rabies. I would not take chance.

Well, no animal is a "born carrier" of rabies. Rabies is a viral disease spread by bites. If you do have a rabies epidemic the authorities will be announcing it on TV and newspapers.

If you are in doubt what to do with skunk kits contact a vet and enquire of way stations or shelters that rehabilitate. They are good animals and often misunderstood.

[FiveHorses]

I hear you Rifleman. I too live in a ranching community and the fact I buy humane mouse traps baffles the locals. When the lady at check-out asked me how they worked and I explained, she couldn't understand why I'd waste money on anything that did actually kill the mouse.

A possible alternative is to contact the local office of your state parks and wildlife dept. I know here there are wildlife "fosterers" &/or shelters where the animals will be cared for until the are capable of being released back into the wild. An alternative for you to investigate should you wish.

[phonelady61]

I am sorry but I love wildlife and my grandfather taught me that if you kill the mother you are responsible for them now . You ,must feed them and then turn them over to a rehabber . Or the other option is to feed them and take care of them and raise them untill they are old enough to hand over to someone else . I would consult a wildlife rehabber they might be able to help you more than we can . I hope you find a good solution to this and you killing them is not the answer . I hope you will contact wildlife rehab.

[rifleman]

Just to complicate the issue, last night it was hot here and I left my windows open. About 3:00a I heard the rustling of the dry leaves in the small flower garden directly below my window. I thought it might be my little friends, so I took a look with my hi-powered LED flashlight. Nope; it was a new adult, probably male from the looks of "things". Probably moved in to the vacated territory I created, showing that perhaps shooting them is no solution at all.

He then proceeded to push over a partially full garbage can but I scared him off before he could make a mess.

This morning I found his tracks around my chicken coop and where he tried to dig his way in. That I won't tolerate.

Some of the locals here told me yesterday to just finish off the kits because, in the end, they'll just become pesty skunks, blasting your cats or you.

Phonelady, I agree with you, but of course man has already had a truly devastating effect on wildlife everywhere. Agriculture has converted countless millions of acres of high-quality wildlife habitat to agri-mono-culture, highly vulnerable to insect infestations or plant diseases, but also removing deer, bear, wolf, cougar and many other types' homes. Just exactly the same as pulling a trigger, sadly.

Sigh. What to do. Time's running out; these little guys don't look too happy. BTW, the F&W have absolutely no interest in saving them; I called.

[Hepcat]

Here is a list of wildlife rehabilitators by state..

New Page 1 (http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactA.htm - broken link)

You may try calling your local AC rep, or vet...they can often direct you to a wildlife rehabilitator. I recently rescued a baby squirrel from a neighborhood child who was desperately trying to do the right thing, but whose parents would not let the little rodent in the house; my AC rep steered me to a wildlife rehabber who took the little guy. I was able to revive him and keep him alive, hydrated, warm and fed until I got him there.

I feel your pain...I have a skunk who has been a frequent guest at the weasel bed and breakfast which apparently exists under my deck. The smell makes my eyes water, and I pray the dog and he do not meet; but I haven't the heart to do anything about it.

[ferretkona]

I have been trying to get striped bandits on board with this, I am hoping a member there is close enough to step in and help.