Dealing with skunks not a black-and-white issue

One of the strong suits about social media is the opportunity to access news and views.  And when you take into consideration everything happening in the world today, it’s hard not to check social media for information and commentary about a lot of things, such as:

Fair use image courtesy of Free-extras.com

               *   The presidential campaign.

·              *  Black Lives Matter.

·              *   The Olympics.

·              * Terrorism.

·              *  Economic Development.

·              *  Skunks.

Skunks?

It seems like the little black and white pests have preoccupied social media users.   I get it.  No one wants to encounter a creature that can turn you, your pet and possibly car or home into a less-than-pleasant environment.

There are a number of resources that provide information on how to deal with skunks including Humane  Society.

But some folks want the village to handle the skunk problem.  Seriously.

It’s likely that part of the skunk problem is the result of development of areas that forced animals out of their habitats.  It’s also possible that has resulted in the appearance of more deer, fox and coyotes.

I’m not sure what residents expect the village to do to eradicate skunks.   As noted by the Humane Society, deterring skunks can be as simple as not leaving bird seed lying around. Simple stuff.

However, it seems as though some people don’t get it – like a neighbor of mine who dismantled a fence and left the wood (see picture) lying along the side of his garage – for the past two years.  Not only is it unsightly, but animal control experts say it’s a welcome sign for rodents and other creatures – like skunks – to call home.

Scrap wood left to dry and rot is an invitation for animals.

I can imagine what would happen if some critters moved in – they’d call the village and say "who is me, I have a problem in my house -- fix it". 

      Village Manager Dane Bragg says the village does not have an animal control program for skunks. “Skunks are native to this area, so they are extremely difficult to “control” with any degree of success,” Bragg says.  He adds that “If individual property owners have a specific skunk problem, they can employ the services of a private trapper to remove the animal.”

As noted, preventive measures can help as well.  Bragg said residents can take proactive measures to decrease the appeal of their property to skunks by closing off any areas where skunks may burrow or hide and by applying grub control according to manufacturer instructions.  Grubs, he notes, are the primary protein in the skunk’s diet.

But yet if you read what cynics post on social media, you’d think their prevailing thought is if they live in the village, it’s the village’s responsibility.

You know the argument.  “I pay my taxes.”

Right.  Got it.

So does that mean you can drive a police car?