Beyond the Stink
Skunks are more than the infamous bringers of pungent stench. They help to keep the insect population in check as they dine on bugs such as grasshoppers and beetles. They are naturally resistant to snake venom and sometimes eat poisonous snakes. Clearly, they serve an important role in the balance of the natural world.Air Travel Vs Skunks and Other Wildlife
Sometimes the natural world clashes with the one created by people. This happens mainly because of the actions of people. One prime example is the establishment of airports next to or within zones occupied by wildlife. When an airport is located next to a zone in which wildlife animals live certain challenges arise. Despite efforts to keep the animals away from the airport terminals or tarmac, skunks occasionally will try and return. Airport technicians of course worry that if an animal gets onto the tarmac accidents could occur. The Wausau Airport in Wisconsin is among those whose officials are contending with the invasion of animals. The airport has been grappling with a skunk invasion issue in recent times. In fact, reports indicate that skunks are actually living in some of the hangars.Proposed Solutions
Officials are currently trying to find a suitable solution and in the process have been communicating with key stakeholders such as the citizens who live in the neighboring communities. In November of 2018, these consultations became the subject of a news article published in WAOW.com. Among the suggested solutions is the animal control technique known as trapping. One trapping specialist has offered this option with the suggestion that after trapping (which would result in the death of the skunks) the animal’s fur could be removed and used. The proposal suggests that trapping be done in a targeted space which is a small strip of area located between the fenced portion of the airport and Lake Wausau. This is where the animals are believed to frequent before travelling further onto airport space and into the hangars.