PULLMAN, Wash.- Vandals shopping for Christmas trees on the Washington State University campus will be in for an unpleasant surprise when they get it home and start to hang the lights.
Grounds crews will begin spraying the trees Dec. 8 with a foul-smelling mixture that contains the oily liquid skunks produce in their scent glands. Thieves will not know whether a tree has been treated with the mixture until they get it indoors, which causes the scent to intensify.
Kappy Brun, WSU grounds supervisor, recalled one such incident. “They got the tree indoors, got it decorated and had to pull it outside on their lawn, decorations and all, because the scent became too much,” she said. “It was pretty obvious.”
Anyone caught in possession of a tree from campus will be charged with theft and will have to pay a fine of $250-$1,500, depending on the tree.
The spraying program began more than 13 years ago to discourage theft of trees on campus around Christmas time. Tree theft is most prevalent on the outskirts of campus, including along airport road.
Next Story
Regents approve new degree programs, discuss faculty listening sessions
Members of the Washington State University Board of Regents authorized three new degree programs as part of a slate of nearly two dozen action items approved during Friday’s meeting on the Spokane campus.
Recent News
New clinic improves access to timely care for children with autism spectrum disorder
In its first year of operation, WSU’s Autism and Neurodevelopmental Clinic has reduced wait times for eastern Washington children with ASD and their families.
Mellon Foundation awards $1.5 million grant to WSU’s Mukurtu platform
The grant will help sustain the digital platform that helps Indigenous communities manage and protect their cultural and linguistic heritage, intellectual property, and traditional knowledge.
Mary Garcia receives Excellence in Online Teaching Award
Garcia, a human development instructor for WSU, will receive $3,000 in faculty development funds and a trophy in recognition of her win.
WSU institutes new wildfire smoke policy for employees
The emergence of regular wildfire seasons in the Pacific Northwest recently prompted the state of Washington to enact new regulations to protect outdoor workers.
Students design outdoor story walk for Keller schools
A group of WSU landscape architecture students is gaining hands‑on experience by designing an outdoor classroom with members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation.
Diversity in STEM conference shapes DGRP student’s perspective on research, and career path
Shawnee Kasanke was selected to attend the 2023 Society of Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science National Diversity in STEM Conference last fall.