A homeowner in Lakeview, Oregon, traced a foul smell beneath her house to a skunk that spent close to an hour releasing its spray, The Cool Down reported. The woman described the animal as “blasting every ounce of stank” before the odor finally subsided.
I read the report from The Cool Down, which said the homeowner followed the smell to the crawl space under her home and found the skunk there. The article did not say how the skunk got in or whether it eventually left on its own, but the woman’s account suggests the animal was alive and simply moved on after emptying its glands.
What this means for Oregon homeowners
Skunks in Oregon are most active from late winter through fall, and they often seek shelter under porches, decks, and houses as the weather turns cooler. A skunk trapped or startled beneath a home will spray, and the odor can linger for weeks inside a crawl space or through floor vents.
If you suspect a skunk is under your house, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife advises against approaching it. The agency recommends waiting for the animal to leave on its own at dusk or dawn, then sealing any openings larger than a few inches with wire mesh or heavy boards to keep it from returning.
The Cool Down confirmed the homeowner’s account and noted that the woman appeared to take the ordeal in stride, sharing her story about the lingering smell. For anyone dealing with a similar situation, the smell eventually fades, but blocking entry points is the surest way to avoid a repeat performance.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
