HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. – July 15,2025
Hold your nose, Hendersonville – there’s a serious stink in town. And no, we’re not talking politics or your neighbor’s attempt at outdoor grilling. We’re talking skunks. Yes, the black-and-white bandits of the night are showing up in yards, driveways, and even strolling casually down sidewalks like they own the place.
Residents in neighborhoods like Brookside Drive, Lawson Pointe, and now Island Brook have had enough of the foul fury. Penny Metheny, who lives on Brookside Drive, has taken matters and traps into her own hands.
“It’s very annoying… the stink is bad,” Penny said in an interview with News 2. She’s not exaggerating either. Since May, Penny has personally trapped twelve skunks in her front yard. TWELVE. That’s more than most zoos have in total.
Meanwhile, over in Lawson Pointe, Gary Jordan says it’s become a regular rotten reality.
“Walking around the neighborhood, you see them, and you smell them all the time,” he told News 2. “It’s just a major problem out here.” And Gary’s right. The air has turned from sweet summer breeze to eau de Pepe Le Pew.
So What’s Causing the Skunk Surge?
While we haven’t gotten an official answer from the skunks themselves, local experts believe the animals are out in full force due to a combination of easy food access, shelter availability, and dry weather. Skunks love grubs, pet food, trash, and apparently Hendersonville hospitality.
Watch Your Dogs – Seriously
If you’ve got a furry four-legged friend, listen up. A friend of mine was dog sitting just last week when a skunk sprayed both dogs in the yard. The dogs apparently proud of their new fragrance ran straight into the house like they were doing victory laps. Ever tried getting skunk smell out of carpet or a couch? Let’s just say it involves crying, vinegar, more crying, and contemplating whether to just burn it all down and start over. But Those dogs had the time of their lives while the homeowners were left Googling “can Febreze fix my life?”
So don’t wait for the disaster to strike. If you’ve got pets that go outside, keep a close eye on them especially at night and early morning when skunks like to roam. A skunk-sprayed dog can turn your cozy living room into a chemical warfare zone in seconds.
The City’s Response: Don’t Call Us, Call TWRA
When Channel 2 asked the City of Hendersonville what they’re doing about the problem, the response was more like “pass the buck than pass the trap.” A spokesperson explained that Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) handles wildlife issues, not the city. If you’ve got a stinker in your shrubs, your next step is contacting TWRA not the mayor’s office.
TWRA has offered three options for dealing with these odor-offenders:
- Trap and humanely kill a nuisance skunk on your own property. (Not for the faint of nose.)
- Hire a licensed Animal Damage Control operator. Think of it as DoorDash, but for wildlife removal. ie. Animal pro’s in Hendersonville.
- Use deterrents like motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or commercial repellents. (No, yelling “Git!” doesn’t count.)
Skunks May Be Cute But Don’t Be Fooled
Sure, baby skunks look adorable on Instagram, but in real life, these little guys pack some powerful perfume. Once sprayed, you’ll be doing laundry, tossing shoes, and googling “how to remove skunk smell from a soul” faster than you can say “tomato juice bath.”
And the smell? It can linger for days especially in humid weather. Some homeowners have had to replace porch furniture, scrub patios, or sleep with windows shut tight in July. That’s just cruel.
Tips to Keep the Skunks Away
If you’re worried your yard might be next, here are a few ways to make your property less skunk-friendly:
- Secure all trash cans and pet food containers.
- Seal off crawl spaces or areas under decks and sheds.
- Trim bushes and tall grass, which provide cover.
- Install motion lights or sprinklers.
- Don’t leave fruit, bird seed, or snacks outside. (Yes, this includes that half-eaten bag of Doritos.)
So Sumner County, let’s work together, keep it clean, watch our dogs, and help the skunks find a new summer hangout. Preferably far, far away.
