CVHS Skunks Strike Campus
If you have any classes in the portables or have just been to F-wing in general, you may have noticed a lingering stench in the area. This is because of skunks. For years, CVHS has experienced skunks on campus, especially because of the surrounding nature in Castro Valley.
“Castro Valley is unique to have wildlife mixing with an urban setting,” said Vince Sly, the head custodian. Furthermore, he commented that March to April is their mating season. “It’s more of an issue now because the females spray unwanted males. Skunks don’t just spray to spray. There’s always something behind it.”
It’s mostly theorized that the skunks burrow underneath the portables and in the small tree area behind 900 hall. Because of this, a few of the 900 hall classes experience the smell.
“I have experienced the skunk smell for the 12 years that I have been working at CVHS. It’s inconsistent but like an old stinky friend that sticks around,” said teacher Candice Tigerman, who is in room 904. She commented on the scent’s inconsistency, which aligns with the annual mating season.
Sly said that if the problem was a year-round occurrence they would try to take preventative actions against it. However, under California law, there are penal codes that prevent the removal of non-dangerous animals, especially on school grounds where having poisoned bait is against the law.
Despite skunks not posing a huge issue, teacher Brad Schoenberger faced serious disruptions to his class. “The scent was so bad I had to take my first period to the cafeteria,” he said.
The scent is only really bad in the morning, but it still lingers throughout the day. This is because skunks are nocturnal and sleep during school hours.
Fortunately, no student has faced off with a skunk because of this. However, Sly recalls an encounter with one when he used to work as a night custodian. “I surprised him, and he surprised me,” he said. He backed off slowly and luckily avoided getting sprayed.
Because the skunks aren’t much of a threat to the people at school, there’s nothing the school can do about the issue other than safe solutions such as air fresheners, as suggested by Schoenberger.
“They smell,” remarked Principal Christopher Fortenberry.
I’m very happy to not have any classes in the F wing this year, but I remember being up there before and I saw a skunk once. I agree with Mr. Schoenberger that maybe an investment in Febreeze would be beneficial to the learning experience.
I have math in F4 during sixth period. The skunk stench is terrible, even at the end of the day. It straight up hits you when you walk inside. I definitely would be against something like poisoned bait, but I wish they would set up like a cage with some food or something to trap it. I’ve also noticed holes that lead to underneath the portable. Closing those up might be a good idea.