AR-News: HSUS has tips to help skunks out of window wells

[Snugglezzz at aol.com]

         BLACK AND WHITE PEERING THROUGH YOUR BASEMENT WINDOW?  
The Humane Society of the United States Has Tips to Help Skunks Out of  
                        Window Wells

WASHINGTON (June 21, 2004)—As the wild animals in and around neighborhoods become more active in the warmer months, a few will inadvertently end up in surprisingly unwanted places. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) offers suggestions to homeowners when skunks stumble into their basement window wells.  

Skunks tumble into window wells and are unable to climb out because of their natural nearsightedness and poor climbing ability. If a skunk peers through your basement window from your window well, you don’t need to panic. It is actually easy to help the skunk out.

o    First, keep kids and pets away.  
o    Approach the window well slowly and quietly, preferably bending 
        low enough to be out of the skunk’s sight. 
o    If possible, have a helper watch the skunk from a higher vantage 
        point, perhaps an upstairs window, for signs the skunk is becoming 
        agitated and may spray. The signs are a raised tail or stamping 
        front feet.

If the window well is less than about two feet deep, give the skunk a ramp to walk out on her own.  
o    A wooden board or something similar will do the trick. The ramp 
        should have a rough enough surface for the animal can get a grip 
        on it, so firmly attaching a towel or chicken wire can add 
        traction.
o       Slowly and gently, lower the board into the well. It should be no 
        steeper than a 45-degree angle.   
o    Leave the area and keep away until nightfall. The skunk should 
        leave on her own.

If the window well is deeper than about two feet, use a container such as an animal carrier or small rectangular trash can, which can be tipped on its side to make a “skunk elevator.”
o    Put smelly cheese or other tasty tidbits in the far corner of the 
        elevator.
o    Wearing heavy gloves, slowly lower the elevator into the window 
        well.
o    Let the skunk enter the elevator to sample the cheese.
o    Slowly and steadily raise the elevator to ground level, being 
        careful to keep your hands on the outside of the elevator.
o    Gently place the elevator on the ground and leave the area to let 
        the skunk move on.

You can prevent this situation from recurring by covering window wells. Window well covers are readily available at hardware stores, or you can make them yourself. 

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization with more than eight million members and constituents.  The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research, and farm animals and sustainable agriculture.  The HSUS protects all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy, and fieldwork.  The non-profit organization, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country.  Go to www.wildneighbors.org for more tips and information on The HSUS’ Urban Wildlife Programs.

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Media Contact: Karen L. Allanach 301-548-7778
E-mail: kallanach at hsus.org


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