Huntington Beach Officials Girding Themselves for Expected Skunk Invasion

More skunks than usual soon might be invading neighborhoods near Central Park and the Bolsa Chica wetlands, but city officials will be ready with a plan to remove the varmints and prevent home infestations.

City officials said the skunk population is expected to rise higher than usual this year because of the rains and abnormally high growth of plant life within Central Park, nearby flood-control channels and the wetlands.

“We’re expecting a big birthing season of skunks and possums,” Community Services Director Ron Hagan said. “We’ve geared up so we can catch (the problem) early and respond.”

Residents complained last summer about skunks entering their yards and causing havoc. The city trapped and relocated about 110 skunks to a wilderness area and developed an educational program on how residents can discourage the animals from coming onto their properties.

The City Council this week approved spending up to $10,000 to again remove skunks and embark on another public educational program.

Hagan said information will be sent to residents in targeted neighborhoods next week on how they can skunk-proof their homes and yards, Hagan said.

“If you leave (pet) food and trash out, it becomes a real problem,” he said.