There is an explanation to the foul smells lingering around College buildings these days -- and it is not the refried beans from Food Court.
Instead, officials said the offensive odors around campus can be blamed on an increase in the skunk population in Hanover.
The number of skunk sightings in the Hanover area has increased considerably in the last few months, said Bill Hochstin, assistant director of Facilities, Operations and Management.
"Skunks really don't have a natural predator around here," Hochstin said. Hochstin attributed the high skunk count to either cyclical population influx or growing awareness due to the high incidence of rabies among foxes and raccoons.
But Hanover Police Chief Nick Giaccone said he doesn't think the skunk population has increased.
"We haven't seen an increase," Giaccone said. "At this time of year animals are just trying to get ready for winter."
Hochstin said the increase is noticeable in many ways. "Even the custodial van smells like skunks," he said. Facilities, Operations and Management dispatches the custodial van after skunk sightings are reported.
Once on site, the skunks are lured by "Have-a-Heart" traps baited with peanut butter crackers. They are then relocated to an undisclosed natural setting within College-owned property, Hochstin said.
"We don't keep a formal count," Hochstin said, "but I believe that we have trapped over 100 skunks since July 1."
Ten skunks were relocated from the same trap site at a location in Hanover last month, he said. College housing near Sachem Village have seen "enormous numbers" of skunks, Hochstin said.
Giaccone said skunks reported to police dispatch are taken care of by the animal control officer, who traps and relocates them.
Diseased skunks are killed and buried, except for potentially rabid animals, which are killed and sent to a lab for analysis, Giaccone said.
Hochstin said students should immediately notify the College if they see a skunk.
"If you see one every evening at 10 p.m. in the corner of the Choates," he said, "then we should be at the Choates at 10 p.m."
Hochstin said students should avoid touching skunks sighted during daylight, since they are nocturnal creatures and may be sick.
"Even though they look like your pets, don't touch them, torment them or molest them," he said.
