Tahoka Woman Frustrated with County's Handling of Skunk Problem

A Tahoka homeowner reached out to KLBK this weekend, frustrated that Lynn County would not remove a skunk from her backyard.

"I was afraid, I wasn't going to deal with it and then again I didn't want it sitting out there," said Sylvia Chapa, who was able to catch the skunk in a county-owned trap.

But she says once it was caught, all the animal catcher did was put a sheet over it and leave.

"We were told that if we had a rifle we could shoot it but we weren't going to do that. I don't know if maybe they just thought if you left it in there long enough it might just starve and die, I don't really know," said Chapa.

Lynn County Sheriff Jerry Franklin says animal control is only responsible for dogs, cats and livestock. Skunks do not apply.

"Lynn County Animal Control has periodically provided cages to property owners upon request as a courtesy. However, it is the responsibility of the individual property owner to contact a pest control service for the removal of wild animals, pests, or varmints," said Franklin.

While Lynn County is not responsible for so called "nuisance animals" like skunks and raccoons, you can call your local game warden. He says he is happy to come relocate animals, like he did in this case.

"I wish it had been taken care of you know from day one," said Chapa.

Chapa says she's relieved that the skunk is gone, but upset the county didn't do more to help.

"I'm sure if you guys hadn't come out today it would still be sitting in there all day again today," said Chapa, "I guess that little skunk caused a big stink in Tahoka today so, but he's safe now."

If you find yourself in a similar problem, you can call your local game warden or the South Plains Wildlife Rehab Center at 799-2142.