Discovery of skunks in Kildare sparks investigation - News - Kildare Nationalist

Striped skunks are opportunistic omnivores that eat insects, small mammals, and the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds.

Caoimhin Treacy An investigation remains under way into the origins of seven non-native striped skunks that were discovered near Milltown Bog in Kildare.

The origins of the animals remain unclear, and it is not known whether they escaped or were deliberately released.

The area around Milltown Bog near Newbridge includes protected raised bog habitat and is important for native breeding wading birds. NPWS has said the animals posed a potential threat to biodiversity.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) was alerted after receiving a report containing video evidence from a member of the public in March.

What initially appeared to be a single sighting developed into a wider operation when officials realised multiple skunks were present in the area.

According to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, NPWS ‘assessed the report given the potential harm that a non-native omnivore with no natural predators could have on local biodiversity and animals’.

The animals were captured during March and April and euthanised, while the Department of Agriculture was consulted ‘in order to ascertain any potential disease or other considerations outside of the potential adverse ecological impact of the presence of the animals’.

Carcasses were submitted to a DAFM Regional Veterinary Laboratory for analysis.

The Journal reported that the skunks had been advertised for sale in a private WhatsApp pet-trading group before their discovery, raising questions around exotic pet ownership and possible abandonment.

NPWS is appealing for information from the public as it continues to investigate the case.

NPWS has asked the public to ‘report any sightings or information immediately to WildlifeEnforcement@npws.gov.ie or by telephone on (01) 539 3230’.