Skunks alarm Newton residents at high school track field, other parts of town

A pack of about eight or 10 skunks called the Newton High School track field home this past weekend.

The high school track, which is open to the public, is commonly used by Newton residents. “Lots of people run here and walk here in the evenings. I’ve seen bikes and people bring their dogs. It’s a very utilized space,” said Carly Stavola, director of communications for the Newton school district.

Stavola added that one skunk even chased a resident over the weekend.

The skunks apparently nested on the field’s high jumps mats, which are covered by a protective cover from rain. “I think they found a cozy space under there along with the wood pallets so that they could hide from people, dogs and lawnmowers,” Stavola said.

“The safety of our students, staff and community members is always our top priority ... the track and football field will remain closed until we feel confident the skunks are no longer in the area,” said Blake Smith, Newton High School interim principal.

School staff removed the wood pallets where the skunks were living, and a trapper from Peabody, Kansas, is coming out Tuesday evening or Wednesday to remove the skunks, Stavola said over the phone.

The Newton High School facility isn’t the only place skunks have been sighted. Residents have commented on the Newton schools Facebook page that they’ve seen skunks roaming around town.

“A lot of people on the two streets directly to the east of our high school are commenting that they’re dealing with skunks under their decks,” Stavola said.