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Skunk Kicks Family Out of Home

By Prescott Carlson in News on May 10, 2008 12:11PM

skunk.jpg
How can something so cute smell so bad? Photo by fieldsbh

Nature: 1, Humans: 0.

Vicki and Mark Royal of Highland Park were forced to move out of their house after a skunk took up residence under it, digging several tunnels and spreading its stench through the home's heating ducts. A year later, after stripping the house bare -- including the removal of carpet, drywall, and appliances -- the Royals and their four kids are still not able to move back in. Now this one little animal has them talking about tearing down the million dollar house, and has caused a major fight with their insurance company:

The Royals say they can't afford to put the house back together without the insurance company's help, but they aren't willing to sign off on the work until they are sure the odor has dissipated.

The true test, they say, will be in July, when the heat and the humidity bring out any lingering scents. Some experts have told them it could take up to three years.

Why don't they just drench the place with tomato juice? It worked on The Partridge Family. [Trib]