By Ben Heath/reporter

Few things can ruin someone’s day more than getting sprayed by a skunk.

To avoid this nightmare on NE Campus, groundskeeper Deanna Peacock has outsourced the rodent problem to an outside company.

“I received daily calls and emails about people seeing these animals and feeling unsafe with them here,” Peacock said.

After weeks of attempting to solve the issue on their own, the grounds crew found the skunk problem to be “out of control” and would best be resolved in the hands of the rodent removal company, Critter Catchers.

The company laid traps around campus to remove the animals safely, Peacock said.

The traps are small cages with bags around them. Peacock said the bags are there for protection against whatever animal has been caught.

Considering most people would prefer not to smell of skunk all day, it’s highly advised “no one touch or move them,” Peacock said.

She described the escalation of the rodent problem by saying, “these animals are getting into buildings, very unsafe.”

Although Peacock described herself as a “live-and-let-live person,” she also recognizes that it is her responsibility that everyone comes and goes on campus and feels safe.

The rodent traps are expected to remain in place until there has been significant progress, Peacock said. She added that if no result occurs in a reasonable time, the company will be canceled and the grounds crew will deal with the problem.

Any rodent trapped on TCC property is the college’s responsibility, Peacock said. Therefore, any damages or missing traps will cost $250 each.

Anyone who sees a skunk, raccoon or possum should notify the grounds crew immediately by calling 817-515-6785.