How Get a Skunk Out of a Havahart Trap

A Havahart trap is a humane method of trapping unwanted wildlife. A skunk trapped and released into a new location, however, may die in unfamiliar territory. Some states do not allow the release of skunks to public lands. The best option is to release the skunk safely where it was trapped and make your yard less appealing to wildlife by removing pet food and open garbage cans. Skunks can be beneficial, as they eat poisonous spiders, wasps and carrion.

Dark sheet or towel

Leather or gardening gloves

Give the skunk time to grow calm after it becomes trapped.

Approach the cage—carefully and calmly—so that you are face to face with the skunk. Skunks spray only when threatened and if they have room to lift their tails. Many traps are too small to offer sufficient room for them to turn or to raise their tails and rise on their haunches in order to spray.

Place a large, dark towel or a dark sheet over the trap. Do this quietly and gently to avoid startling the skunk. The dark cloth should help keep the skunk calm if and when you move the trap. Allow the skunk time to again grow calm.

Pick up and move the trap very slowly while wearing leather or gardening gloves for protection. Place the trap on the ground carefully. Alternatively, leave the trap where it is, as skunks will often return to the same territory anyway. The less you touch or shake the trap, the more likely the skunk will be to remain calm.

Remove the dark cloth quietly from the trap. Pull the safety release lever on top of the trap. The door of the trap should open.

Back away quickly and give the skunk room. It may not leave right away, but it will emerge from the trap when it feels safe.