Last Updated: June 2016
We always see those videos floating around online of baby animals being rescued from a natural disaster or some other tragic event – but have you ever wondered what you would do, or what you’re supposed to do if you had been the one to find it? Every once in a while, we will receive call about baby skunk removal, what to do when they are found, how to handle them, if they should handle them and help on what to do as next steps. In most situations, the best answer is to call for a professional. Babies of any species are fragile and dependent, which is why it is always important that special precautions are taken in the event where you encounter one. Things become even more complicated when the baby is orphaned or injured which could sometimes be difficult to recognize for people who don’t often find themselves in these types of situations (if injured animal found, contact Toronto Animal Services). Another factor to consider when finding a baby animal is the species because although babies are babies, different animals behave differently when it comes to their young. For these reasons and more, for the sake of the young animal and their mother, it’s best to request the aid of someone you can trust to take care of this professionally.
Baby skunk removal
NO mother in sight
The process of baby skunk removal needs to be handled carefully as there are many things that could go unexpectedly and many factors to consider. In the case where you happen to see a baby skunk(s), with their mother missing, there are a couple things you should do. Skunks are nocturnal, so most of their activity occurs during the night time. If you see baby skunks alone in the day, there may be some reason to be concerned. Mother skunks don’t often stray too far from their young unless it is to gather food to bring back to feed, so if the babies are alone, monitor them first for a little while to see if the mother shows up. If there are no signs for a significant amount of time, you can assume that the babies might be orphaned which could be due to getting hit by a car, a predator, or trapped and removed without her young. When you do see the need for baby skunk removal for baby skunks who are orphaned, call a wildlife removal service company to assist you in the process.
If you are desperate and you must move the animals yourself, start by wearing thick gloves and covering any exposed skin as a precaution. Scared wildlife will try to defend themselves and skunks may do so by either spraying or biting if they can. Very carefully draw the skunks out from where they are, pick them up and place them in a warm comfortable box. Do not feed the skunks or try to domesticate/raise them. Call for a wildlife rehabilitator like Toronto Wildlife Centre to give you directions. While waiting for action or response, keep an eye out on the skunks to see if their mother returns and look out for predators nearby who can harm them. Record any unusual or noteworthy behavior just in case to tell the rehabilitator or wildlife removal service.
WITH mother nearby
One of the main reasons why it is very important to seek out a professional when removing wildlife from your property is to avoid separating babies from their mother. In some situations when ‘Do It Yourself’ Skunk Removal methods are taken, they are unknowingly trapping baby skunk away from their mother leaving them orphaned and in danger of starvation. Professional wildlife removal companies such as SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated will know where to look, at what time of year to look and how to properly assess the entire situation before taking any sort of action. When baby skunk removal is required, the process begins by temporarily keeping the mother away from her young as to safely move the baby skunk from their spot. This keeps the technicians from being bitten or sprayed by the mother. Once the mother has fled, it’s safe to move the baby skunks into a heated cozy box easily visible for the mother to find. The hole where the skunk originally entered through gets patched and preventative measures are taken to keep the skunks from re-entering your home. While the baby skunks are in their box, an eye is kept out on them as they await to be reunited with their mother. The mother returns to find the box, picks up and moves them one by one to a new location away from your home.
About Baby Skunks
- Skunks are born in a litter of about 4-6 babies
- Baby skunk are born in the spring time
- Very young baby skunks are unable to use their defensive spray for a couple of weeks
- Skunks are nocturnal mammals
- Baby skunks are born blind and have no teeth heavily relying on their mother for survival
- Do not feed baby skunks as they can have bad reactions to the wrong type of food or drink
- Skunks do not hibernate but will avoid harsh cold weather when necessary
To keep our wildlife safe, it is always best to call for an expert. Baby skunk removal done poorly can result in injuring or orphaning the baby. Poorly done skunk removal can also lead to you getting hurt or sprayed which is something that is best avoided. Prevention methods are also recommended to avoid facing a skunk/baby skunk removal issue in the first place. Call a wildlife removal service company to help skunk-proof your home before any damage is done.
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior baby skunk removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.
Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated at 1.800.981.0330 for Baby Skunk Removal!