Stink strait: New Mexico town battling growing skunk crisis

HAGERMAN, N.M. � Something stinks in one southeastern New Mexico town and residents want police on the case.

KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reported skunk smell is plaguing the town of Hagerman thanks to a mild winter that is bringing out the smelling mammals early.

Viola Badcock, the owner of Hagerman Township Animal Shelter, said the annoying animals are hanging in town and generally are not healthy. She said their stink appears to be a growing problem.

Hagerman Police patrolman Adam Chavez said officers are settling up traps around town and in nearby Lake Arthur and Dexter.

Chavez said healthy skunks caught in traps will be relocated on the east side of town near a river.

Information from: KRQE-TV, http://www.krqe.com