An unusually high number of skunks is causing problems for residents in the Shell Point and Onset Village areas, prompting the town to take steps to reduce the skunk population.

"People can't breathe at night," said Animal Control Officer Carlston Wood.

Wood said he's received numerous calls about the number of skunks in Onset, and after a survey of the areas with Ace Wildlife Removal Services, the town decided to set traps for skunks.

Fifteen to 20 traps were set in the problem areas, which are monitored daily by Ace Wildlife Removal Services. Trapped skunks are humanely euthanized by that company, Wood said. Eighteen skunks have been trapped thus far, and the effort will likely be wrapped up this week, Wood said.

By law, municipal animal control officers may not remove healthy animals from properties unless the animals are sick or injured, or a threat to public safety, Wood said, which is the reason the town is using the outside company.

Efforts will also be made to make the area less attractive to skunks. Brush will be trimmed and open trash containers reduced, Wood said.

Skunks will eat human garbage, compost, and bird seed from feeders, according to MassWildlife, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. MassWildlife recommends that residents secure garbage and compost piles, feed pets indoors, and keep the areas of bird feeders clean, so that skunks are not attracted to residents' yards.

Trash left out in parks also adds to the problem, said Marion Larson, MassWildlife Information and Education Biologist. "People need to take responsibility for their trash and help alleviate the problem by taking their trash home with them, not leaving it [outside]," she said.

Under normal circumstances, "you can't just go out and trap and destroy wildlife just because it's there," Larson said. She stressed that everyone must do their part to get the problem under control.

If you encounter a skunk, MassWildlife recommends you remain calm, speak softly, and move away so that the animal does not feel threatened. Also make sure to check your yard for skunks before letting pets outdoors, and close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds, so skunks cannot use those areas for resting and raising young.

It is the first time the town has been moved to take steps to reduce the skunk population, Wood said. "Last year was pretty bad too," he said. "This year, I think, tops that."

The effort is a collaboration of Wood, Town Administrator Mark Andrews, and Police Chief Richard Stanley, as part of Andrews' Safe Summer 2010 initiative.

"We're working together as a team," Wood said. "We don't want it to get so bad that people don't want to come" to Onset.

Questions or concerns can be directed to Animal Control Officer Carlston Wood. He can be reached at 508-295-1473, extension 250, or by e-mail at carlston_wood@warehampolice.com.