As you know I often write about the beauty of living here in the Caretaker’s cabin surrounded by all sorts of wildlife. I’ve also written about my fascination and appreciation for skunks. Well, there is an upside to living in a wildlife preserve but a down side when it comes to frightened skunks.
About six weeks ago I discovered that there was at least one skunk that seemed to be living under the cabin. No big deal I thought. I would often see the white stripe illuminated by the moonlight walking around the back deck. A suspicious character indeed but never a threat. So I thought.
When I was a teenager I often trapped critters using a Havahart trap, a bait and release live animal trap. I often caught raccoons, possums, rabbits and even a box turtle. One time I had the misfortune of catching a skunk. What to do? My dad called a vet and he suggested that if the skunk was too large and cramped inside the trap he would not be able to spray unless he could raise his head and tail. Who knows if any of this was true but it was a plan. I’ll never forget the image of my dad running and hiding behind a tree once the trap door was opened. I had never seen my father run. We still laugh about it. And no one got sprayed.
Back to the cabin.
So soon after first spotting this underground cabin dweller, I arrived one night after dark and unlocked the back door. I immediately took two steps backwards and gasped. The cabin had been temporarily robbed of its charm. The air inside rushed out and surrounded me in a toxic cloud. The neighborly skunk had now overstayed its welcome. Apparently he or she had been under the cabin when this foul act occurred. The smell had found its way inside, creeping effortlessly through the vents and hardwood floors.
Fast forward to just four nights ago. Then repeat.
So, knowing our wildlife expert here at Reflection Riding, I questioned Wildlife Director Tish Gailmard on what I could do. Tish explained the rules with regard to trapping a wild animal with an emphasis on discouraging anyone from tackling such a job on their own.
Tish suggested that a professional trapper or “critter getter” would be the best response. “Skunks are a rabies vector species,” she said. “Hamilton County is a rabies vector surveillance county.” Meaning any trapped rabies vector species must be euthanized and tested. “What I suggest for individuals that have this problem is to contact a trapper that we recommend and let him handle it.” Sounds like sound advice.
Despite the recent incident, I’ll aways enjoy viewing the wildlife that passes by the big picture window at the Caretaker’s cabin. But this one restless skunk may need to go. My hope is that it moves on its own to a more suitable residence. And soon!
About six weeks ago I discovered that there was at least one skunk that seemed to be living under the cabin. No big deal I thought. I would often see the white stripe illuminated by the moonlight walking around the back deck. A suspicious character indeed but never a threat. So I thought.
When I was a teenager I often trapped critters using a Havahart trap, a bait and release live animal trap. I often caught raccoons, possums, rabbits and even a box turtle. One time I had the misfortune of catching a skunk. What to do? My dad called a vet and he suggested that if the skunk was too large and cramped inside the trap he would not be able to spray unless he could raise his head and tail. Who knows if any of this was true but it was a plan. I’ll never forget the image of my dad running and hiding behind a tree once the trap door was opened. I had never seen my father run. We still laugh about it. And no one got sprayed.
Back to the cabin.
So soon after first spotting this underground cabin dweller, I arrived one night after dark and unlocked the back door. I immediately took two steps backwards and gasped. The cabin had been temporarily robbed of its charm. The air inside rushed out and surrounded me in a toxic cloud. The neighborly skunk had now overstayed its welcome. Apparently he or she had been under the cabin when this foul act occurred. The smell had found its way inside, creeping effortlessly through the vents and hardwood floors.
Fast forward to just four nights ago. Then repeat.
So, knowing our wildlife expert here at Reflection Riding, I questioned Wildlife Director Tish Gailmard on what I could do. Tish explained the rules with regard to trapping a wild animal with an emphasis on discouraging anyone from tackling such a job on their own.
Tish suggested that a professional trapper or “critter getter” would be the best response. “Skunks are a rabies vector species,” she said. “Hamilton County is a rabies vector surveillance county.” Meaning any trapped rabies vector species must be euthanized and tested. “What I suggest for individuals that have this problem is to contact a trapper that we recommend and let him handle it.” Sounds like sound advice.
Despite the recent incident, I’ll aways enjoy viewing the wildlife that passes by the big picture window at the Caretaker’s cabin. But this one restless skunk may need to go. My hope is that it moves on its own to a more suitable residence. And soon!
