Seven Skunks Euthanised Following Sighting In Milltown Bog

Kfm news had received reports in March of skunk sightings in an area of Kildare.

Seven skunks have been euthanized following a sighting of them in a Milltown bog.

Kfm news had received reports in March of skunk sightings in an area of Kildare.

It is not clear if the below video of a Kildare skunk sighting is of one of the animals that were euthanised:

According to the National Parks and Wildlife Services, they received a report containing video evidence of a non-native species, striped skunk beside a raised bog near Newbridge.

The NPWS cited this area as an "important site for native breeding waders".

NPWS staff say they assessed the report given the potential harm that a "non-native omnivore with no natural predators could have on local biodiversity and animals".

It became evident to them that there were a number of individual striped skunk reported.

They confirmed that the skunks were "captured and humanely euthanised on site of capture" in March and April 2026.

NPWS contacted the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) veterinary offices in order to ascertain any potential disease or other considerations outside of the potential adverse ecological impact of the presence of the animals.

Subsequently, carcasses were submitted to a DAFM Regional Veterinary Laboratory for analysis.

The last striped skunk reported and humanely caught and dispatched was recorded in late April 2026.

An active investigation under the Birds and Habitats Regulations is ongoing into the origins of the release of these non-native animals that pose a potential threat to biodiversity.

NPWS are asking the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information immediately to WildlifeEnforcement@npws.gov.ie or by telephone (01) 5393230.

Speaking on Kildare Today, investigative reporter with the Journal Investigates Patricia Devlin said that there had been skunks for sale on private chat group:

"Local wildlife rescuers were aware that a number of skunks were for sale on a private WhatsApp trading group.

"There was seven here [that were euthanised], and on the post that I'm aware of there were eight skunks advertised, so we don't know if there could be another skunk out there roaming, it's quite a coincidence."

It's no known whether these skunks for sale are the same that have been euthanised.

"These animals are very unusual to have as pets, you're not required to register to have them,  you are required to have a licence to import them into Ireland, so we don't know if they were dumped there, the suspicion is they were."

Ms Devlin added that whether the animals escaped or were "dumped", it is indeed a criminal offence:

"Whether they were dumped there or whether they escaped, it's still a criminal offence under the Birds and Habitats Regulations to let a non-native animal escape, particularly if you dump them.

"It's very sad, animals have been destroyed because someone didn't take look after them properly, either they dumped them or allowed them to escape.

The full interview can be heard below: