EXPLAINER: Why skunks discovered in Kildare were euthanised

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has outlined why it ‘humanely euthanised’ a number of skunks which were discovered in a County Kildare bog.

It follows recent reports that seven skunks were spotted in the Milltown Bog, which is a protected raised bogland, earlier this year, and subsequently euthanised by the NPSWS.

When asked by the Leinster Leader about the situation, a spokesperson for the NPSW, which operates within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in Ireland, responded: “Regional staff of the NPWS received a report containing video evidence of a non-native species, striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), in the Kildare countryside in March 2026 from a member of the public.”

“The reported sighting was beside a protected raised bog near Newbridge; which is also an important site for native breeding waders.”

The spokesperson continued: “NPWS staff 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 that there were a number of individual striped skunk reported.

“The skunks from the area were captured and humanely euthanised on site of capture in March and April of 2026.”

SENT FOR ANALYSIS

The spokesperson also revealed that the 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 of individuals were submitted to a DAFM Regional Veterinary Laboratory for analysis,” they added.

The spokesperson further said: “Four skunks in total were available and brought to DAFM for analysis; samples were taken for AI testing and tissue samples for potential future DNA testing.

“One of three females was found to be gravid (carrying eggs).

“There were no other significant pathological findings from the post mortem.”

They also noted that the last striped skunk which was reported, and humanely caught and dispatched, was recorded in late April of 2026.

“There has been continued monitoring, but no further reports,” they explained.

Moreover, they announced that an active investigation under the Birds and Habitats Regulations is ongoing into the origins of the release of these non-native animals, which they asserted ‘pose a potential threat to biodiversity’.

Lastly, the spokesperson said that the NPWS is asking the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information immediately to [email protected], or by telephone (01) 539 3230.

The Leinster Leader has also contacted Kildare Wildlife Rescue for its views on this development.