Is It Legal to Poison Skunks

With regard to “pest” animals, the CED has divided these animals into two classes: protected and non-protected species. Protected species (for example, raccoons, opossums, skunks, beavers and grey squirrels) may be caught during the specified hunting or fishing season with the appropriate sports permit. In some cases, a special permit is required to kill them out of season. Striped skunks are among the most easily recognizable creatures in the animal kingdom. They are black with two thick white stripes on the back and tail. They also have a thin white stripe on the forehead and nose. His appearance was popularized by the cartoon character Pepe The Pew. In biological terms, they are classified as: In the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C., it is still illegal to kill a “non-commercial” animal, that is, an animal that does not depend on humans for its survival. District of Columbia law requires pesky animals to be caught and released 25 miles (40 km) away in Virginia or Maryland. However, neither Virginia nor Maryland allow the importation of skunks from Washington, D.C., so DC owners are only allowed to use exclusion methods.

Alaska encourages the capture and release of skunks because there is no shortage of habitat. No permit is required to kill or release skunks, although the most up-to-date information is available from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Potential cave sites can be limited by trimming overgrown bushes and stacking firewood tightly, preferably at least 18 inches above the ground. Remove boards, rocks and debris that lie on the ground, as the insects that feed the skunks hide under these objects. Also control mice and rats so that their numbers do not accumulate and become an abundant source of food for skunks. As with many other vertebrate pests, the best solution to skunk problems under porches or buildings is to protect or block them. Close all potential entrances or openings under homes, garden tool sheds, mobile homes, porches and patios with a 1/4″ mesh hardware canvas. The advantage of using the small net is that, when properly installed, it also excludes rats and house mice. Skunks will work hard to get into a desirable space, so make sure the fixtures are good and cramped.

If there is soil under potential entrances, bury the wire at least 6 inches to prevent skunks from digging underneath. Tamed skunks whose scent glands have been removed are actually very good pets. If there is a skunk under your home or in the area and you are determined to get rid of it, read our article on control methods. There are no recorded toxins to poison skunks. Poisoned baits sold to control rodents should never be used to remove skunks. The penalty for such pesticide abuse can be significant, and illegal poisoning is usually revealed as a result of accidental poisoning of a pet by someone. New York classifies skunks as furry animals and allows killing on publicly announced fall and winter hunting dates for people with hunting licenses. Tennessee allows the slaughter of skunks, but prohibits the transportation of skunks in the state. In many states, such as Virginia, it is illegal to poison an animal other than rats and mice, which is why Virginians often hire a professional to catch it. Even the live capture of skunks (or other animals) is highly regulated in many states. Vermont allows skunk hunting under the same regulations that apply to fur hunters.

Because skunks are relatively rare in Vermont, permission to kill them may not be automatically granted. To successfully bait skunks, you need to know something about them; their habitat, mating habits and way of life. Then you can learn about baits and poisons, what they do and how to use them. Two types of skunks are present in California, the spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis) and the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), which are most commonly found near homes. Although originally thought to be members of the weasel family, recent genetic research has placed skunks in their own family Mephitidae. Both species of skunks produce an oily, yellow sulfur alcohol compound that contains sulfuric acid. This stinging liquid is stored in two separate scent glands on either side of the anus and can be accurately injected into targets up to 6 to 10 feet away as a self-defense mechanism. The secretion is strong enough to cause nausea and can lead to severe burns and temporary blindness when it hits the eyes.

Once the skunks have found their home under a building, the problem is a bit more difficult, as you need to be sure that the animals are gone before blocking the opening.