AboutStephen Vantassel Expertise I can assist the public in responding to all kinds of wildlife related problems in the United States and Canada, including birds, mice, rats, skunks, raccoons, beavers, opossums, voles, moles, chipmunks, woodchucks, pocket gophers, and more. My passion is wildlife damage identification, for if you don't know what animal is causing the problem, you can't begin to resolve it responsibly.
Experience I was a full time animal damage controller for over 5 years and a part-time animal damage controller for over 10. I have been a volunteer for AllExperts.com for over 5 years under the Pest Control Category, when they graciously created a new category that better suited my experience (I don't answer bug questions). I was a licensed animal controller in both Massachusetts, Connecticut and Nebraska. I presently run the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, http://icwdm.org.
Organizations National Wildlife Control Operators Association, Community Integrated Pest Management group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Publications I have published two books (both revised), The Wildlife Removal Handbook rev. ed. and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook rev. ed. Additionally, I have written articles which have appeared in Wildlife Control Technology Magazine, Fur-Fish & Game, The Trapper, The Fur Taker, The Probe, and others. I have co-authored wildlife related publications for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension program and was responsible for revising the handbook designed for the Pest Controllers looking to obtain their category 14 license.
Education/Credentials I was a trapper education instructor for the state of Massachusetts, and have attended a variety of conferences and trainings.
Awards and Honors Certified Wildlife Control Operator
Question I live in SW Ohio. I am bothered by skunks that appear in the pm, I tried a live trap, but caught raccoons instead. Is there a specific food a skunk would be attracted to? I really don't need to bother the raccoons. I live in a small rual community so they have many hiding places. If caught how do I get it out of the cage without being sprayed.
Answer Trapping:
Trapping is an option for controlling skunks provided it is legal in your state. More information on trapping techniques can be found at the link below. Trapping requires a great deal of responsibility on the part of the trapper. You can’t go on vacation when a trap is set. They must be checked every day, including weekends, holidays, snowstorms etc.
Relocation of skunks, even if legal, should be avoided. Contrary to popular mythology, relocation is rarely humane. Skunks moved to knew areas have to 1. find food, 2. find shelter, 3. avoid predators 4. All the while trying to get the lay of the land. I haven’t even mentioned the trauma of any young that may be abandoned because “momma skunk was relocated somewhere else”. Finally, there is the problem of moving a disease into a new area or a healthy rabbit into a diseased area. For more information on the problems with relocation of wildlife visit http://icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/relocation.asp
For information on trapping, please visit http://icwdm.org/wildlife/skunk/skunks.asp There you will find a link that explains how to release a trapped skunk. also visit http://icwdm.org/handbook/carnivor/Skunks.asp By all means, if you have other questions please feel free to contact me.
We are always looking for images (if you can safely take them) of wildlife damage to help us in our educational mission. We prefer high resolution, (3 mg or higher). Send to svantassel2@unl.edu or if your e-mail can’t handle large files upload to http://members.icwdm.org
Username use all caps. ICWDM
Password (all lower case) guest
Please include permission to use the images and where and when the photos were taken. Month/year is fine as is county or city and state.
Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.
