Skunks...

[red1]

Didn't know where to start this...mods feel free to move it...thx

Was just outside and looked over at the tarped bushhog where a family of skunks just came out from underneath. This is only about 50 feet from my front door..

So, I thought about getting out either the 22, or the co2 (pellets), but figured the area would stink to high heaven for sometime. Plus I really don't like killing animals. They may have found a nest of mice....don't know but if they are homesteading under the mower, that is not good since when it dries out I need to do some cleanup.

Any ideas how to get them to leave?

[dizzy]

I'd wait to see whether or not they're living there B4 you do anything. They may just be passing thru.

Personally, unless they're hurting something, I prefer to leave skunks alone! I've never had to remove one.

Oh, and I'd check under the mower B4 moving it. Then if they are living under there, I'd find a different place to park it for now.

[simi-steading]

I'd at least remover the tarp to see if that helps them decide to find somewhere else to camp..

I don't like killing things either if I can help it... especially something that likes to tear up nests of ground hornets... Those are no fun finding with the bushhog..

[CountryMom22]

If you're sure the family is out right now, go take the tarp off and maybe move the mower. That might help convince them to move on.

Only kill things as a last resort. We all serve a purpose. Now if they were killing your chickens, then bar the door and pass the ammo!

[red1]

I threw a 't' post at the hog....of course it went right through the tarp..oh well cheap. Anyway nothing came out. Waited a half hour. Got brave and pulled the post off and lifted the tarp back a little...nothing. Then I threw a small hot shot fogger underneath...still nothing. Believe they are gone. Hopefully the fogger will make it unpleasant in there and they will stay gone.
They looked bigger than the small babes I've seen running around in the past. I think they were just looking for food. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

[fishhead]

I would expect skunks to eat lots of baby mice plus the ground wasps that swarm up when you mow over the nest.

[doc-]

In my experience, skunks don't flush out easily- they run poorly, so not much sense in running, I guess. They tend to hunker down when threatened, or to escape by their back door, which they always have.

Animal control will trap and re-locate raccoons, but will kill skunks, I'm told. I guess the risk of rabies is high and the risk of getting sprayed is higher, so they don't mess around with 'em.

OTOH-- if they're not gnawing thru your walls and floors, eating your chickens or soiling your hay stack, maybe peaceful coexistence is the best policy.

If you have to use the brushhog, just go for it. They usually only spray if they have no escape route. I routinely surprise them in my barn and if I just go about my business, they slowly amble away without further remark.