The City of Airdrie is calling in some extra support for help dealing with a stinky situation.

Many residents have issued complaints recently about skunks moving into their neighbourhoods. Several of those residents have expressed frustration over the fact the City of Airdrie does not provide skunk removal services.

Archie Lang, manager of parks and public works for the city says skunks are part of the natural makeup of a city, and instead of removing them they’ll be doing more to educate people on how to keep them away.

“We’re going to be working with the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), they’re willing to come in and help educate the taxpayers so that they’re not creating space for the skunks,” said Lang.

Lang says one of the best things people can do to prevent a family of skunks from moving into their yard is to make sure there are no areas for them to make a home in.

“They live under people’s decks, people’s steps, things like that so, make sure that you cordon those areas off, put something down under your deck so they can’t get in there,” Lang explained. “If you don’t create habitat for the skunks if you don’t provide food and water outside for the skunks they’re going to go elsewhere, simple as that.”

The city manager also suggests putting weekly garbage bags on top of your green bin to prevent skunks and other wildlife from being able to get to it.

Lang says the AIWC will also provide some additional information on other wildlife that may come into contact with residents in Airdrie, like Coyotes.

For residents who want to see skunks removed the city advises that they do have the option of hiring a private pest removal company.

 

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